Jalen Brunson makes NBA history in monumental Knicks playoff performance
In Games 1 and 2 of the New York Knicks' first-round playoff series against the Sixers, Jalen Brunson didn't have it. He hit a big three-pointer at the end of Game 2 during a chaotic sequence, but he finished the night shooting 8-of-29 from the field. Still, the Knicks went to Philadelphia with a 2-0 series lead.
Brunson came alive in Game 3, finishing with 39 points on 13-of-27 shooting. However, it wasn't enough for the win, as New York lost 125-114. After the game, there was a lot of chatter from both teams, stemming from a controversial Joel Embiid flagrant one foul that should've been a flagrant two. However, Brunson didn't blame the officiating for the loss.
"Our team lost a game where we gave up 43 points in the third quarter. My main focus is how we can adjust to that."
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 26, 2024
- Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/m5M0GYoBkF
The Knicks entered Game 4 with the right mindset and walked out with the 97-92 win. Brunson was brilliant. He shot 18-of-34 from the field for a Knicks playoff franchise-high 47 points. Not only did he make Knicks history, but the star point guard also became the only player in NBA history to score 45+ points and record 10 assists in a playoff game.
Thought it was crazy that Brunson put up 45+ points and 10 assists in a playoff game when his team scored under 100 points. Turns out that was the first time it's happened in NBA history, per @Stathead. https://t.co/lnF2vgsAW0
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 28, 2024
Jalen Brunson makes NBA history in Knicks' Game 4 win over Sixers
What can't Brunson do? Seriously? It's still hard to believe that less than two years ago, New York was clowned for signing him to a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency. He's worth that, plus so much more. Brunson will be eligible to sign an extension this summer, but he could pass and sign a larger one in 2025.
Even for the most hopeful Knicks fans, Brunson has far exceeded expectations. There isn't a word to accurately describe what he's done thus far. Phenomenal comes to mind, but that doesn't even cover it.
It's bizarre that Brunson has already reached these heights and hasn't wrapped up his second Knicks season yet. The best part is that he won't be satisfied until he leads New York to its first NBA title since 1973. If Brunson does that, he will get a statue 100 times the size of the one Philadelphia recently unveiled for Allen Iverson.
Even though Knicks fans are on a high after Brunson's performance, the work isn't done. New York will return to MSG for Game 5 on Tuesday in what could be the final contest of the series. Brunson didn't give the home crowd what they wanted to see in the first two games, but knowing him, that'll change.
manual