Brunson scored seven straight Knicks points late in the quarter to give them a 118-114 lead.
Then, he was fouled and drilled both free throws — making it nine straight Knicks points for him — to extend the lead to 120-116 with 21.2 seconds left.
They entered Monday’s game averaging 18.3 fast break points per game — second most in the entire NBA.
The Knicks were still outscored 21-17 on fast break points, but most of the Rockets’ damage came in the first half.
We know at the end of the game, make sure, close game, one possession game, we’re confident.”
Around Madison sq\. Garden, Jalen Brunson is frequently the target of beckoning “MVP” chants.
MVPs, especially those as significant as OG Anunoby, have a tendency to step up their game when their co-stars are absent. And Brunson did precisely that.
During Monday night’s 124-118 victory over the undermanned Rockets at Madison sq\. Garden, he put the team on his back and led an intense fourth-quarter comeback.
Brunson declared, “We are aware of our capabilities.”. That’s what we put ourselves in. We had to step up because we knew we were to blame and we knew they would not give up. Simply knowing that we’re not going to give up and having faith in one another. “”.
For some time, this reminded me uncannily of the Knicks’ appearance without Anunoby from the previous season.
At the start of the fourth quarter, they were down 11 points. Amen Thompson was destroying their defense without Anunoby to protect him. They were having a lot of trouble making 3-pointers.
It’s much more difficult to live without Anunoby, who signed the largest contract in the team’s history during the offseason. But it’s obvious that the Knicks weren’t in the mood for justifications. No team that views itself as a contender permits itself to make any.
In the fourth quarter, they quickly outscored the Rockets 46-29. In the closing minutes of the quarter, Brunson scored seven consecutive points to put the Knicks ahead 118-114. The Knicks regained possession after he stripped Thompson on defense. With 21 seconds remaining, he extended the lead to 120-116 after being fouled and making both of his free throws, giving him nine points in a row. It was sufficient.
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At 42 points, he was the top scorer overall. He also contributed 10 assists.
Coach Tom Thibodeau stated, “You have to win games in different ways.”. We anticipated the physicality, small-ball tactics, and aggressiveness of the game, and even though we lost, we managed to come out on top. I think we did a great job responding in the fourth quarter. We were prepared to do whatever it would take. “.”.
Indeed, the Rockets, who have become one of the NBA’s biggest surprises this season, were operating without Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. The majority of them are starters. Even so, this was a remarkable return without one of their top performers.
The Knicks have mostly struggled this season against the Rockets, who are a youthful, athletic team that can hurt opponents in transition and run up and down the court. They had the second-highest average in the NBA going into Monday’s game, averaging 18 points and 3 fast break points per contest.
Although Sengun and Smith play a significant role in that dynamic for the Rockets, Thompson (No. 4 pick the previous year), Jalen Green (No. 2021 pick number two) and Tari Eason (No. 17 pick in 2022.
Although the Rockets outscored the Knicks 21–17 on fast break points, the majority of the damage was done in the first half. In the last week, the Knicks have defeated the Grizzlies, Nuggets, and Rockets—all top teams going through a transition. They may have located a blueprint.
Precious Achiuwa told The Post, “We’ve been able to handle those types of teams as the season has gone on.”. Young, athletic teams that simply lose despite not having very good shooting. That only serves to demonstrate how much better we get throughout the season. “.”.
Josh Hart scored 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each contributed 22 points. Starting in Anunoby’s place, Achiuwa contributed two steals, nine rebounds, and seven points.
The Lakers ended the Knicks’ five-game winning streak on Saturday, but they are now back on track.
Hart stated, “I believe we’re learning from one another.”. “We’re still growing. Guys, we’ve got amazing character. We’re selfless, guys with high character. We’re sure at the end of the game, whether it’s a close game or a one-possession game. “.”.