Jan 2, 2026
Jaylen Brown Snubbed as Jalen Brunson Wins Player of Month
Merlin sees Jaylen Brown publicly cool to Jalen Brunson winning Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December. Brown averaged 31.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 53.8 percent shooting while Boston went 9-3, yet the honor went to Brunson, who posted 30.6 and 7.1 assists and helped the Knicks to a 10-4 month and NBA Cup glory. Brown "wasn't impressed" with the choice. Merlin notes the hard facts. Brown had a 42 point season high in the teams meeting and superior shooting splits, but Brunson's Cup MVP and New York spotlight likely nudged voters. Brown still carries Finals MVP momentum and an All Star trajectory, so the argument is far from settled.
🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction
Odds of Jaylen Brown winning an Eastern Conference Player of the Month this season: 55%.
