After representing Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Jalen Brunson was not selected for the 2024 Olympic team. He expressed his belief that he deserved a spot on the roster.
In a conversation with Sam Schube of GQ, Brunson expressed his feelings about the roster selection. “So, let’s clarify, for sure,” he stated. “The team was chosen before I broke my hand,” referring to the injury he sustained at the end of the Knicks’ season.
He expressed no grudges towards the selection process. “But I clearly want to be out there and playing for the United States,” Brunson said. When asked if he thought he should have made the team, he was straightforward. “Yeah, for sure,” he said.
Brunson’s 2023-24 season was notable. He averaged a career-high 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. His scoring ability was a significant asset for the New York Knicks.
Brunson’s performance peaked on December 15, when he scored a career-high 50 points against the Phoenix Suns. He achieved this feat on 17-of-23 shooting, including a perfect 9-of-9 from three-point range. This performance made him the first player in NBA history to score 50 points without a missed three-point shot, setting a remarkable standard.
He continued to build on his success throughout the season. On January 1, 2024, he recorded a career-high 14 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing his playmaking skills. This was part of a broader trend, as Brunson delivered several back-to-back games with impressive assist totals.
His strong play earned him a spot as a reserve for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. Brunson’s performance did not go unnoticed, as he became the first Knick to record multiple 40-point games in back-to-back outings since the legendary Bernard King.
The postseason also highlighted Brunson’s capabilities. In Game 4 of the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored 47 points, setting a Knicks playoff record for points in a single game. His playoff run was historic, as he became the second player in NBA history to achieve three consecutive 35-point/10-assist games in a single playoff series.
Unfortunately, Brunson suffered a fractured left hand during Game 7 of the playoffs, leading to surgery. Despite the setback, he finished the season as one of the top performers in the league.
Brunson remains focused on his goals. “I want to play next time,” he affirmed regarding future Olympic opportunities.
