Brunson Over Shai, Tucker: “He always makes the right play”

In the NBA’s ever-evolving hierarchy of superstars, the line between a great player and a true winner is often drawn in the biggest moments. Appearing on the Club 520 podcast alongside former Bucks teammate Jeff Teague, P.J. Tucker – who spent his final NBA season (2024-25) with the New York Knicks – didn’t hesitate when asked to choose between Jalen Brunson and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

While acknowledging how difficult the comparison is, the veteran 3-and-D forward gave a clear edge to the Knicks’ point guard:

It’s a tough choice. But I played for the Knicks, so I’m rolling with JB. No doubt. He’s one of the most clutch players in the league – he feels like he came straight out of ’90s basketball. People don’t always notice because he doesn’t talk much or make a scene, but when you’re on his team and sitting on the bench, you already know the ball is going to be in his hands

P.J. Tucker

Tucker’s endorsement isn’t simply driven by personal ties or his recent time in New York – it is backed up by results. Brunson now sits atop the basketball world after leading the Knicks to their first NBA title in 53 years, earning Finals MVP honors despite playing through a wrist injury that was only revealed after the season ended.

He’s always going to make the right play, whether that’s taking the shot or making the pass. There are a lot of stars in this league who would rather give the ball up late in games because they don’t want the responsibility. JB takes that shot every single time, whether it goes in or not, with the exact same confidence. That’s an incredible quality

P.J. Tucker

A statistical comparison from the 2025-26 playoffs also supports Tucker’s argument. Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.3% from three. SGA countered with 27.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds, shooting 46.3% overall but just 30.5% from beyond the arc.

Aside from assists, the Knicks star outperformed his counterpart in nearly every major statistical category, showing greater efficiency when the stakes were at their highest.

Paolo Banchero also joined the chorus of admirers. Speaking with Stephen A. Smith, the Orlando Magic star praised his former Team USA teammate:

He’s an incredible player. Every night he steps on the floor with one goal: to win, and that’s something I really admire. He’s an outstanding leader and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around. I’m not surprised at all by what he’s accomplished. I think it’s great for the game to see someone like him win both the championship and Finals MVP

Paolo Banchero

With this championship, Jalen Brunson has rewritten Knicks history and taken a major step forward in his career, placing himself firmly in the conversation for a future spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.