Hart’s point, in his own way, was clear: Brunson is playing at an elite level right now. And Knicks coach Mike Brown was more direct, walking into the postgame interview room Saturday and hammering home a specific point he’s been making in recent weeks — that Brunson, even this early in the season, belongs in the MVP conversation.

New York hosts the San Antonio Spurs after Jalen Brunson scored 40 points in the New York Knicks' 132-120 win against the Orlando Magic.

Jalen Brunson dropped 40 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-120 on Saturday in Las Vegas to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup finals.

Knicks captain Jalen Brunson leads the way before New York and San Antonio vie for the Emirates NBA Cup in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Jalen Brunson got hot in Las Vegas at the right time. The Knicks' All-NBA point guard dropped his first 40-point game of the season on the Magic, plus dished out eight assists, to put New York into the championship game of the NBA Cup. Tuesday night in Vegas the Knicks will take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the title game.