Brunson leads, Ant-Man lurks, and the NBA’s new era is officially here.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs are down to four teams — and four rising superstars.
But if you ask Stephen A. Smith, there’s only one name at the top right now: Jalen Brunson.
“Jalen Brunson is clearly the best player in the playoffs,” Smith said on Tuesday’s episode of First Take.
Yes, even with MVP-favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and electrifying Anthony Edwards still alive, Stephen A. didn’t hesitate to crown the Knicks’ floor general as the postseason’s top performer so far.
“Shai Gilgeous[-Alexander], best player, but the best player this postseason is Jalen Brunson,” he emphasized.
The Final Four Is the NBA’s Future
With the Knicks, Thunder, Timberwolves, and Pacers left standing, the 2025 Conference Finals mark a major turning point for the league.
No LeBron. No Steph. No Giannis. No KD.
Instead, we’ve got:
- Jalen Brunson leading New York back to the East Finals
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander elevating OKC to title contention
- Anthony Edwards knocking out legends in back-to-back rounds
- Tyrese Haliburton guiding Indiana with elite vision and swagger
These aren’t just new faces in big moments — they’re potential faces of the league.
Brunson’s Moment in Madison Square Garden
Brunson has been nothing short of brilliant. His playoff scoring and playmaking have carried the Knicks through injuries, gritty series, and big-time moments. MSG hasn’t roared like this since the 90s and Brunson’s leadership is the reason.
He’s averaging 29.7 points and 6.6 assists this postseason and has posted four 40-point games, including back-to-back 41-point performances in the second round.
Stephen A. may be a New York native, but this take isn’t about hometown bias, it’s about facts.
But Watch Out: Ant-Man Is Coming
While Brunson holds the crown for now, Stephen A. dropped a warning:
“If there’s one person who has the ability to eclipse the greatness we are witnessing elsewhere, it is that brother Anthony Edwards.”
And he’s got a point.
Edwards has already knocked out LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Dončić, all in the same playoff run. The 22-year-old has become a two-way wrecking ball, a showman, and a killer in the clutch.
Minnesota, once the West’s No. 7 seed, is now four wins away from the NBA Finals — and Ant-Man is the engine behind it all.
A New Era, No Questions Asked
This postseason isn’t just about who wins a ring, it’s about who takes the torch.
Brunson may be leading that charge. But Shai, Edwards, and Haliburton are right there, waiting to flip the script. And with every game under the brightest lights, the new generation is proving it’s ready.