Jalen Brunson's historic season gives the Knicks the edge over the Cavs and Celtics

Jalen Brunson has put together a fantastic campaign. The guard's play has been somewhat underappreciated so far given how well Karl-Anthony Towns has meshed in his first season with the New York Knicks. But the Villanova product has one particular skill that could give his team an edge against the East's top squads.

While the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have better records and seem to be on a collision course for the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson's ability to take care of the basketball may give the Knicks a chance to rise above either team.

Through the first 48 games of the season, Brunson is averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and only 2.4 turnovers. If these numbers were to hold, the 28-year-old would be the first player in NBA history to average more than 25 points and more than seven assists with fewer than 2.5 turnovers over a full season.

Brunson's success has been a testament to his attention to detail. He does not try to force anything on the court. Instead, the veteran consistently does whatever the moment demands. He can score when needed and is also more than willing to be a facilitator.

According to Cleaning the Glass, Brunson ranks in the 72nd percentile in terms of AST%. One could argue that this is indicative of the way he plays the game. He is not actively trying to rack up points or force the ball to one teammate or another. Brunson allows the Knicks to play a team-oriented brand of offense while understanding there will be times that require him to be aggressive.

Jalen Brunson's historic season may give the Knicks an edge over the Cavs and Celtics

Brunson will need to continue his methodical approach if the Knicks have designs on defeating either the Celtics or Cavs. Both teams do a solid job of limiting turnovers. They also are towards the top of league in terms of Offensive Rating. The Cavs own the best mark in the association while the Celtics are just behind the Knicks with the third-best rating.

There would be very little room for error in a potential postseason series against Boston or Cleveland. Brunson's offensive approach will need to be tactful, but he will also need to simultaneously maintain his scoring output.

If Brunson can take care of the basketball and get others like Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby involved while still putting up points, there is a chance that the Knicks could get the opposition to "blink first."

If the Cavs or Celtics give an inch, New York may have the perfect All-Star to help them take a mile instead.