Jalen Brunson Graded As NBA’s Best Offensive Player And Worst Defender In 2025 Playoffs

Jalen Brunson's performance in the 2025 NBA Playoffs highlights a stark contrast between his offensive dominance and defensive struggles. According to Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM), Brunson ranks as the best offensive player (+4.9 Offensive EPM, 100th percentile) and the worst defender (-3.7 Defensive EPM, 1st percentile) in the postseason, reflecting his dual impact on the New York Knicks' playoff campaign.

Offensively, Brunson has been exceptional, averaging 30.4 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game with shooting splits of 45.6% from the field and 35.8% from three. In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, he elevated his play to 39.5 points and 8.0 assists per game across two matchups, including a 36-point, 11-assist performance in Game 2. His consistency has cemented his legacy, surpassing Patrick Ewing for the most 30-point playoff games in Knicks history (18 games) and joining LeBron James and Michael Jordan as the only players with seven playoff games of 30+ points and 10+ assists.

Despite Brunson’s heroics, the Knicks trail the Pacers 2-0, largely due to defensive vulnerabilities. Opponents exploit Brunson’s defensive limitations, targeting him in pick-and-rolls and mismatches. The Pacers’ floor-spacing lineup, featuring Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard, has capitalized on his lack of lateral quickness and on-ball defense, contributing to New York’s -50 postseason point differential, including -29 in two games against Indiana.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau faces a dilemma: Brunson’s offensive brilliance is irreplaceable, but his defensive deficiencies are costing the team. For the Knicks to overcome the series deficit, they must improve team defense to compensate for Brunson’s weaknesses without reducing his offensive role.