Jalen Brunson wins Philly sports writers’ top honor after 76ers torture

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11 drives to the basket as 76ers Joel Embiid defends.

PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Brunson is even winning awards behind enemy lines. 

He was named the Professional Athlete of the Year by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. The announcement came just hours before Brunson and the Knicks played the 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday night, the second matchup between the teams already this season after the Knicks dropped the season opener at Madison Square Garden. 

Brunson, a South Jersey native, played collegiately at Villanova. He roots for Philly sports teams, especially the Eagles. 

But he is now the captain of one of Philly’s top rivals — a Knicks team that has tormented the 76ers in recent years, including a dominant sweep in the second round of the playoffs last year en route to a championship. It’s an honor that is sure to anger 76ers and Philly sports fans. 

“What Jalen Brunson accomplished this past year has been nothing short of remarkable,” PSWA president Mike Shute said in the announcement. “His skill, his leadership and his connection to the Philadelphia basketball community all make him a deserving recipient of this honor. 

“He plays his best basketball when the stakes are the highest and has led his teams to championships at every level.” 

There is no doubt Brunson is connected to the Philly basketball community. 

Currently, though, that connection comes at Philly’s expense. 

It’s not the only new recognition Brunson is getting. He is officially an actor. 

A “Law & Order” trailer released Friday showed Brunson playing a detective alongside star actress Mariska Hargitay, with whom he has developed a close relationship with. The episode, named “Forsaken,” will air Nov. 5. 

Hargitay is a regular on Celebrity Row at the Garden and has appeared on Brunson and Josh Hart’s “Roommates Show” podcast. 

It continues an exploding media presence for Brunson, who hosted “Saturday Night Live” before the season and was a guest on the “ManningCast” on Monday.