Knicks Stars Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson Jump in Top 50 Player Rankings
Even though the New York Knicks' season has been a rollercoaster saga, their top two stars have guided them to some crucial victories over the last two weeks.
Bleacher Report's latest player rankings, counting down the top 50 NBA stars on a biweekly basis, saw New York's finest move toward the top: Julius Randle came in at 23rd while Jalen Brunson lands at No. 16, moving up 14 and three spots respectively.
Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Brunson is fresh off a 50-point game against the Phoenix Suns, part of a five-game road trip that saw him average 28 points and over six assists and rebounds each. His 50-point game was the sixth in the NBA this season and he was joined by Joel Embiid on Wednesday. Brunson set numerous team and NBA marks in the win, including the most three-pointers without a miss in a single game (9-of-9).
Moving up 14 spots is the latest sign of Randle's continued recovery from a slow start to the season. The road trip was another sign of progress, as he averaged 26 points and nine rebounds in a trip where the Knicks finished 3-2 after Wednesday's win over Brooklyn. With that triumph, the Knicks moved back to a season-best five games over .500 heading into a Christmas weekend doubleheader against the Milwaukee Bucks beginning on Saturday at Madison Square Garden (12:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
Denver's Nikola Jokic retained his spot at the head of the pack, respectively followed by Embiid, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic.
