After being snubbed not once, but twice for the 2023 NBA All-Star game, Jalen Brunson has been on a tear that did not stop against the Jazz on Saturday night as the New York Knicks took down Utah, 126-120.
This was a big win for the Knicks, as they were coming off the heels of a very tough loss to the 76ers on Friday. Alongside this being a needed victory, this was also the first game of Josh Hart’s career as a New York Knick, and boy he didn’t disappoint.
New York only has two more games until the All-Star break so if the team can manage to win three in a row heading into the break that would be a huge momentum boost.
For now, though, let’s focus on the Knicks’ most recent game and just how well certain members of the team played to help push New York over the edge against the Jazz.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart shine together in Knicks win over Jazz
Following a massive 30-point performance against the 76ers, Brunson did not slow down on Saturday night, dropping 38 points, three rebounds, and five assists while shooting 11-of-22 from the field, 2-of-5 from three, and a ridiculous 14-of-15 from the free throw line.
This is the fourth time in five games that Brunson has scored 25+ points in an All-Star caliber season. While it’s obviously tough to make it in a stacked Eastern Conference, Brunson is definitely worthy of the nod.
Outside of Brunson’s masterclass, new Knick Josh Hart played incredibly well in his first game, scoring 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals while shooting 3-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Hart showcased a certain hustle and effort the Knicks have desperately needed all season, the kind of stuff that will turn any player into a fan favorite in New York. This game helped silence those who, for whatever reason, disliked the trade that brought him in.
As for other Knicks players, Julius Randle had a pretty solid 31 points on 12-of-26 shooting from the field and 3-of-11 shooting from deep. RJ Barrett scored 20 of his own points on 6-of-15 shooting splits and Isaiah Hartenstein continued his excellent play as of late alongside Immanuel Quickley, who had yet another great game.
The recent emergence of Hartenstein has been huge for this Knicks team, as his struggles earlier on in the season were really bringing New York down. If he can manage to keep this level of play up, the Knicks will reap the benefits, especially once Mitchell Robinson eventually returns from injury.
Wins like this will go a long way in the Knicks’ eventual playoff push. New York is currently seventh in the East and only a couple of games behind the Heat for the sixth seed, which would finally take the Knicks out of the play-in tournament.
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