Dirk Nowitzki stunned by Jalen Brunson’s Finals MVP run with Knicks

Dirk Nowitzki admitted he never expected Jalen Brunson to become an NBA Finals MVP after watching the New York Knicks end their 53-year championship drought on 18 June 2025.

The Mavs’ all-time leading scorer shared his thoughts on 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) this week. Brunson, who left Dallas in 2022 for a four-year, $104 million deal, led the Knicks to their first title since 1973. Nowitzki called the moment “amazing to watch.”

Nowitzki played his final NBA season in 2018-19 alongside Brunson, whom Dallas drafted in the second round in 2018. At the time, neither expected Brunson to rise to Finals MVP level.

Nowitzki’s reaction reflects the journey Brunson took from a second-round pick to the heart of New York’s championship run. The German legend praised Brunson’s clutch shooting and leadership under pressure.

Nowitzki admitted he was “a little worried” when Brunson signed with the Knicks in 2022. The move came with a four-year, $104 million contract and a massive media spotlight.

But Brunson silenced doubts by delivering in the Finals. Nowitzki said the way Brunson handled the pressure-making tough shots and leading the Knicks-made every penny of those deals “worth it.”

Brunson’s 2024 extension-four years, $157 million-left $113 million on the table so New York could add pieces. Nowitzki believes the investment paid off after Brunson’s Finals performance.

The Knicks now aim to build on their title. For Brunson, the question is whether he can replicate the magic that made him the Finals MVP. Nowitzki’s praise adds weight to the moment.