VIncent Carchietta, USA TODAY SPORTS

Knicks Move Up in Power Rankings Behind Jalen Brunson Surge

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Jonah Morgan | Last updated Dec 1, 2023 8:04 PM ET

Despite a close game with the NBA-worst Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks have been playing some really solid basketball lately: following the 118-112 win over Detroit on Thursday (the Pistons' 16th loss in a row), the Knicks (11-7) have won three of their past four and sit a season-best four games above .500.

As a result, the team has jumped up three spots in Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report's most recent NBA Power Rankings, placing ninth as compared to 12th the week prior.

Perhaps the biggest factor in the Knicks turning their season around after a bumpy start has been the stellar play from Jalen Brunson. The Knicks' primary point guard remains a fan favorite in year two with the team and continues to cement his name in team history: with 42 points in Thursday's win over the Pistons, Brunson became just the second Knicks guard to score at least 42 points in six games, second best behind Richie Guerin.

"After going off for 42 points and eight assists in Thursday's win over the Detroit Pistons, he's up to 25.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.3 threes, while shooting 48.0 percent from deep, on the season," Bailey wrote. "If Brunson maintains those marks, he'll be the first player in Knicks history with 100-plus three-point attempts and averages of at least 25 points and five assists in a season."

Brunson seems to be the key for the Knicks so far this season and figures to be the face of the franchise in both the present and future considering he's only 27 years old.

Brunson and the Knicks will be back in action on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).

This article first appeared on New York Knicks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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