Mixing pleasure with misunderstanding, potential with frustration, the Knicks had to bounce back quickly at OKC on Monday after dropping out entirely from their matchup the day before in Phoenix. That’s it, with a 129-119 victory thanks to a better managed collective effort and a player at the top of his Thunder’s ability: Mr. Jalen Brunson.
The NYC revenge house stats are right here
Brunson’s best game for the Knicks?
In any case, the best performance in scoring this is certain.
This Sunday evening, the faces that came from New York were not crazy crazy. It has to be said that the abandonment in Phoenix had left people starving, knowing the Suns clearly weren’t complete. Catching a wave made in Arizona in the mouth, the Knicks had only one exit to borrow and some reporter from the Big Apple strode to it: it’s a back to back, so let’s keep it fresh for OKC. Yes. So that said, why not, you still have to make sure 24 hours later at the Thunder exactly.
And for now? Actions followed words. Much punchier, much more focused, evenly distributing ammo without suffering a major brownout in the game, the Knicks had a good group performance from Darius Bazley and his band. If Luguentz Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams also brought their best game to try and push New York into its recent jails, it wasn’t enough to deal with a dense and concentrated workforce. On fire in the first quarter (38-34), well pushed by Immanuel Quickley in the second (31-24), the Knicks didn’t give up in the second half while the Thunder had a powerful history outside the locker room. Sure, OKC rode enough charges to try and propel New York’s ship, but the latter never seemed capable of sinking.
It must be said that when it wasn’t Julius Randle (25 points), it was RJ Barrett leading the way to the basket (25 points). And even with a not crazy global address, the Knicks have systematically found a solution. A solution that carries number 11, Jalen Brunson who offers a masterpiece of efficiency in the lead.
34 points and 9 assists, throwing only 2 balls.
14/20 shooting knowing he sent a 1/6 three-pointer, then everything else was done beautifully within the big arc.
To put it simply, let’s say that Brunson sucked at his defenders, thanks to his technique and his vice that make him one of the most difficult players to contain in one-on-one situations. Close one corner and he will find another. Push him and he will give you a foul. The Thunder were sending several covers, praying the floaters didn’t arrive, but Brunson was over the moon. It was the kind of performance that also explained the Knicks’ pick this summer, offering a lucrative contract to Luka Doncic’s former right-hand man. On tough nights, facing young and ambitious teams, who could save New York from its grave? Jalen replied yes, and then she was able to almost forget the disgust of 24 hours ago in Phoenix. Double performance by the point guard.
Difficult to ask for more from Jalen Brunson, he who stood up to the Thunder last night by planting more complicated baskets than the others. As usual, the yoyo continues in New York: is it better to save Tom Thibodeau’s place with this kind of performance? We will let Thibs survive one more day, he can thank his boss on this occasion.
