In the 2018 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks selected both Jalen Brunson and Don Sic, two players whose careers have taken notably different paths. While Doncic has been recognized as a true superstar and dominant playoff performer, Brunson is on the verge of surpassing him in a significant playoff scoring statistic. Despite the New York Knicks being close to elimination, Brunson’s impact and leadership have been undeniable, helping lead the team to their first conference finals in 25 years and becoming their top scorer in the playoffs.
Brunson, now 28, was initially a role player in Dallas, while Doncic quickly became a fan favorite for his exceptional playoff performances. Currently, Brunson has scored 1,682 playoff points, just 15 shy of Doncic’s 1,697. With Game 6 approaching, Brunson is likely to surpass Doncic if he scores even half his average this postseason. Both players, headed for Hall of Fame careers, highlight the loss for Dallas, which missed out on forming an elite backcourt by trading away Brunson and recently also facing criticism for trading Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In recent playoff games, Brunson’s averages (31.1 points and 7.2 assists per game) closely rival Doncic’s career playoff stats (30.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game), showcasing how high-caliber both players have become. Ultimately, Dallas’s decisions in managing these talents have sparked debate, as they had the potential to keep a historic duo together for the 2020s.
Fan Take: This development highlights how player growth and team changes can shift the balance of NBA power unexpectedly, offering fans thrilling playoff narratives. Watching Brunson rise to rival Doncic’s legacy not only adds drama but could also inspire renewed appreciation for underdog stars in the league.
