Funny, Brunson was named the 2025 NBA Playoffs Best Offensive Player and Worst Defensive Player

Jaylen Brunson is setting an unprecedented playoff record, yet the data reveals a fascinating contradiction, which is exactly the same as what fans and analysts see on the court.

Brunson is currently rated as the best offensive player and worst defensive player in the 2025 NBA playoffs based on Estimated Positive and Negative Values ​​(EPM). His +4.9 offensive EPM ranks in the top 100% of the league, a best indicator highlighting his strong scoring and offensive ability. However, his -3.7 defensive EPM ranks in the top 1% of the league, and by statistics, he is the worst defensive player in the entire playoffs.

This combination of talent and vulnerability defines the performance of the New York Knicks this spring. On the offensive end, Brunson is as superb as any star in the league and can contribute key goals at critical moments.

He averaged 30.4 points, 7.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, shooting as high as 45.6% from the field and 35.8% from three-point shooting percentage. In just two games against the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 39.5 points and 8.0 assists per game, including 36 points and 11 assists in the second game, helping the New York Knicks maintain the threat to their opponents.

With such performance, Brunson has been recorded in the history of the team, surpassing Patrick Ewing, becoming the player with the most scores in a single game in the Knicks' playoffs. This is his 18th single-game score of 30+, and he did it in his second season with the Knicks.

He also ranked among the top ranks with outstanding performances of at least 30 points and 10 assists in the seventh game of the playoffs, second only to LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

However, despite Brunson's heroic side, the Knicks still trailed the Pacers 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The question is not Brunson's offense, but how the opponent will perform when he is guarding him on the defensive end.

The Knicks are troubled by defensive loopholes and defensive misplacements at critical moments. The opponents often use pick-and-roll tactics to mark Brunson, or use the misalignment opportunities he generates when switching to taller wingers.

EPM data confirms the results of observation from naked eyes: Brunson's ball-holding defense and lateral movement speed cannot continue to keep up with the elite offensive rhythm and space of the playoff-level teams. The Indiana Pacers have five players who can open space at the same time, which is particularly threatening in this regard. Whether it is Tyreth Halliburton, Andrew Nemhard, or Obie Topin, they have scored repeatedly in Brunson's defensive area.

This situation puts Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau in a dilemma. Brunson is undoubtedly the team's offensive engine and spiritual leader, but his defensive flaws have led to scoring down steadily.

This season's playoffs, the Knicks' starting lineup has a net score of up to 50 points, of which the net score of up to 29 points in just two games against the Indiana Pacers.

There is no doubt that Brunson is playing one of the most exciting playoff offenses in the team's history. He took action at critical moments, was efficient and unyielding.

But if the Knicks want to reverse the decline of this series, they need Brunson to have a stronger team defense behind them, or find a way to cover up his weaknesses without weakening his offensive role.

His legend is still being written in this playoffs that are historical to Brunson. Whether it’s a win or a heartbreaking endorsement may depend on the Knicks to rely on the league’s best offensive player, who happens to be the easiest defensive player on the team.