Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and the New York Knicks are now in a prime position to win the NBA Championship after a historic comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
If the Knicks are able to wrap up the series, the discussion will turn to which player will receive the coveted Finals MVP Award.
While Brunson is the Knicks’ leader, Anunoby has achieved stardom this postseason based on his stellar two-way play and game-winning shot in Game 4, prompting an NBA analyst to reveal her thoughts on the debate.
Why Ashley Nicole Moss Backs Jalen Brunson for NBA Finals MVP
NBA analyst Ashley Nicole Moss believes Brunson deserves the nod as Finals MVP over Anunoby, arguing that Brunson has shown up as the Knicks’ franchise player.
Moss said, “I think when your back is against the wall, and you need the win, you need someone to get that engine going, you need somebody who you can depend on… What we have seen Jalen Brunson do each and every time is put the Knicks on his back and say, ‘You guys need to believe we can do this, and I’m gonna show you how.'”
Jalen Brunson is my MVP.
“this is not a knock to OG, but what we’ve seen Brunson do is put the Knicks on his back and start the engine of these improbable comebacks … time after time (…) that’s the definition of a MVP.” @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/TiYBdMZ1t7
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) June 12, 2026
“I think that’s what the MVP is,” she continued. “This is not a knock to OG Anunoby… But I think it can’t be ignored how Jalen Brunson has kind of started the engine in each and every one of these games to make this Knicks team turn it around, even in the final minutes of some of these games.”
Winning the NBA Finals MVP Award allowed many of the game’s legends to achieve immortality. It’s a symbol of excellence that proves that historically great players can perform in the biggest and most intense games of the season.
For Brunson, winning the Finals MVP Award would be a little more significant due to the common theory that small guards are generally unable to be the best player on a championship-winning team.
Despite struggling with his efficiency at times, Brunson has scored 30 or more points in three of the four Finals games so far.
The Spurs have attempted to wear him down by sending multiple defenders his way and trapping him, hoping to make him give up the basketball.
They’ve also been physical with him, as Brunson has been on the receiving end of tough blows from Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
As Moss points out, despite the adversity and potential frustration, the Knicks know that Brunson will carry the team and make clutch plays in important moments.
Anunoby will be a popular pick to make his first All-Star team next season, according to early predictions based on his play in the postseason. He’s shot 50% or better from the field in three out of four Finals games, including his heroic 33-point effort in Game 4.
His 3-point shooting has really unlocked his offensive potential, as he’s made 15 3s so far in the series. Perhaps most importantly, Anunoby has been an incredible defender, showing the versatility to guard every player on the court.
One small note that may hurt Anunoby’s case is Brunson’s edge in plus-minus rating. Anunoby hasn’t posted a positive plus-minus rating in any game so far during the Finals.
Ultimately, the two stars are likely focused on securing one more win and letting the rest take care of itself.
