Because of this you name him captain — as a result of when the Knicks wanted him most, Jalen Brunson delivered.
With OG Anunoby sidelined resulting from a proper foot sprain and New York’s protection scrambling with out its finest stopper, the Knicks discovered themselves in a dogfight in opposition to the Houston Rockets at Madison Sq. Backyard on Monday evening.
Brunson’s response? A signature takeover efficiency.
The primary-time All-Star starter erupted for 42 factors, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds on 14-of-27 taking pictures from the sphere and 9-of-10 from the foul line, main the Knicks to a 124-118 victory — a bounce-back win after Saturday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and their sixth win in seven video games.
He joins an elite group — Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball, and Luka Doncic — as the one gamers this season to submit a 40-point, 10-assist sport.
However Brunson doesn’t care in regards to the stats. All that issues is successful, and on Monday, the 2 went hand in hand.
The Knicks trailed by two on the finish of the primary quarter earlier than the Rockets ripped off a 9-0 run to start out the second. The deficit swelled to 12, however the Knicks by no means let Houston run away with it.
Then Brunson put his foot on the gasoline.
He scored 29 of his 40 factors within the second half, together with 17 within the fourth quarter alone, protecting the Knicks inside hanging distance earlier than taking on down the stretch.
With lower than a minute left in a one-possession sport, the Rockets turned to budding star Amen Thompson to tie it up. Brunson had different plans. The Knicks’ chief locked in defensively and compelled a miss, then calmly sank two clutch free throws to push the result in 4 with 13.2 seconds remaining.
Karl-Anthony Cities struggled by means of the primary three quarters however got here alive late, ending with 22 factors and 9 rebounds, together with 11 within the fourth.
Mikal Bridges added 22 factors, and Josh Hart stuffed the stat sheet with 19 factors, eight rebounds, and 5 assists.
With Anunoby sidelined, Treasured Achiuwa stepped into the beginning lineup, contributing seven factors and 9 rebounds in 34 hard-fought minutes.
“Versatility, athleticism, can guard multiple positions, he can switch one through five, run the floor, play with pace, very good in the pocket, very good offensive rebounder,” Thibodeau mentioned of Achiuwa earlier than tipoff. “He’s done a good job for us.”
Houston acquired massive nights from its younger stars.
Jalen Inexperienced led the way in which with 21 factors on 9-of-22 taking pictures, whereas Thompson dazzled with 25 factors, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a standout triple-double efficiency.
The Rockets additionally acquired 41 factors off the bench, together with 15 from Aaron Vacation and 18 from Cam Whitmore — a stark distinction to the Knicks’ 12 bench factors.
“They’re balanced. They’re strong on both sides of the ball, very athletic, play with pace, get the ball into the paint. [Jalen] Green can break you down off the dribble, and they fit well together,” Thibodeau mentioned of the Rockets pregame. “Obviously a guy like [Dillon] Brooks, his versatility, [he] can really defend. Their bench is very active and athletic. So you have to be ready for them at all times. You’ve got to challenge shots and be quick to the ball. You’ve gotta make sure you get bodies to them.”
However New York’s starters carried the load, and when the sport was on the road, the captain made certain they wouldn’t lose.
The Knicks would fairly study their classes in victory than defeat, and Monday’s grind-it-out win retains them transferring ahead.
They’ll be examined once more with out Anunoby on Tuesday evening once they face the Raptors in Toronto on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Can Brunson do it once more? If Monday was any indication, the captain is all the time prepared.
Initially Printed: February 3, 2025 at 10:27 PM EST
