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Jalen Brunson quiets Knicks haters with impressive Team USA statline

By Jordanna Clark

US' Jalen Brunson (L) dribbles past Greece's Michail Lountzis during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group C match between US and Greece at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay city, suburban Manila on August 28, 2023. (Photo by SHERWIN VARDELEON / AFP) (Photo by SHERWIN VARDELEON/AFP via Getty Images)
US' Jalen Brunson (L) dribbles past Greece's Michail Lountzis during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group C match between US and Greece at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay city, suburban Manila on August 28, 2023. (Photo by SHERWIN VARDELEON / AFP) (Photo by SHERWIN VARDELEON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Team USA’s final exhibition had non-New York Knicks fans doubting Jalen Brunson after he struggled on both ends of the floor and was benched down the stretch. Because Tyrese Haliburton outperformed Brunson, some people said Steve Kerr should start the Pacers point guard over the Knicks guard.

You’d think that after watching Brunson excel in his first season in New York and lead the team to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, the doubters from last year would’ve quieted down by now. However, when there’s even the smallest opportunity for people to clown the Knicks, you can bet it’s going to happen.

Brunson doesn’t pay attention to outside noise, but if he did, he might’ve gotten a little satisfaction after he scored 13 points and shot a perfect 5-of-5 from the floor in only 19 minutes to go with three rebounds and two assists on Monday.

Knicks’ Jalen Brunson shoots perfect 5-of-5 from floor in Team USA’s win

Team USA picked up its second win of group play as it cruised to a 109-81 win over a Greece team without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recently made some interesting comments about his future. Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards led the starters with 13 points each, and Austin Reaves scored a team-high 15 points off the bench.

At least for Knicks fans, Brunson shooting 100% from the floor is nothing new. When the ball is in his hands, he makes things happen. As expected, the point guard has bounced back in the first two World Cup games after his off-night to end exhibition play.

It was a balanced attack for the United States, and Josh Hart made sure to get in on the fun, too. Hart’s one of the best rebounding guards in the NBA, and that showed as he had 11 rebounds, six points, and five assists. He channeled his inner Mitchell Robinson with a team-high five offensive rebounds.

Brunson, Hart, and Team USA will be back in action against Jordan bright and early at 4:40 a.m. ET on Wednesday. It’ll be an early wake-up call, but Brunson will surely make it worth it!

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