While the Orlando Magic earned a trip to Las Vegas, Nev., their journey in the Emirates Cup came to a close Saturday evening against the New York Knicks, losing

Hart’s point, in his own way, was clear: Brunson is playing at an elite level right now. And Knicks coach Mike Brown was more direct, walking into the postgame interview room Saturday and hammering home a specific point he’s been making in recent weeks — that Brunson, even this early in the season, belongs in the MVP conversation.