New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has not missed a beat since coming back from a hip injury, with his latest performance being a 26-point, five rebounds, and eight assist night in a thrilling 112-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on the road on Friday.
The highlight of his performance was in the final seconds of the game when he scored in a huge and-one with the Knicks clinging on to a two-point lead while the Raptors were on a 17-3 run down the final stretch. The clutch bucket would end up being the difference maker.
This win was the Knicks’ fourth in a row, improving now to 22-18 on the season. This was also the first time since 2015 that New York beat Toronto on the road, and was also head coach Tom Thibodeau’s 100th win as Knicks head coach. A successful night all around for the Knicks, headlined by their star point guard.
Since Brunson’s return from injury, the Knicks are 3-0, and he has been phenomenal, showing everyone how important he truly is to this Knicks team.
In those three games since his return, Brunson is averaging 29.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 6.6 APG. He is also shooting 53.1% from the field and 50% from deep in that stretch.
Brunson has continued to play some of the best basketball of his young career and is strengthening his All-Star campaign while also showing why he was paid in nine figures by the Knicks this past offseason.
After Brunson’s new regular season career-high 38 points this past Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs, he mentioned how special it was to contribute to building a winning culture in New York.
“It means a lot. This building (Madison Square Garden), this team has a lot of history”, Brunson said. “I love this place. Let’s continue to keep rolling.”
Jalen Brunson via MSG Network
Brunson is playing like an All-Star, and it could not come at a better time for the Knicks, who have been playing shorthanded without RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin.
The Knicks could be a really scary team once Barrett and Toppin return, given the level of production they are getting out of Brunson right now.
Brunson will look to continue his hot stretch when the Knicks head back home to play the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden.
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