The Knicks win as Jalen Brunson records his fourth consecutive 40-point game
AMERICA Jalen Brunson’s unprecedented scoring spree continues, with a new foe feeling his fury.
On Monday, Brunson had another outstanding fourth quarter. His skillful shot-making and unrelenting basket assaults produced 21 of his 43 points as the New York Knicks fought back to defeat the Indiana Pacers 121-117 in Game 1.
Remembering his late-game heroics against the Philadelphia 76ers in the previous round, Brunson has scored 40 points in his last four playoff games. He set an NBA record by having four straight 40-point, 5-assist playoff games, along with six assists.
“The little things add up to a lot,” Brunson remarked. “So, while the forty points are nice and all, it’s the little things that help us win games like that.”I simply feel fortunate to have the group of guys I have. I know we’re going to argue every single day. I’m thinking only about that.
In his last five games, Brunson has scored or assisted on 321 points, the second-most in NBA postseason history over a five-game stretch. He only trails by 329 points over five playoff games from last year, according to Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic.
The largest assist came in the last game. Brunson used defenders coming at him to fire a laser at Donte DiVincenzo, just as he did in the last two wins over the 76ers. With 40 seconds remaining, his old Villanova buddy hit a 3-pointer to break the 115-115 tie and give the Knicks the lead they needed to win.
Making 8 of 10 shots, DiVincenzo scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half.
However, it was also a contentious time. Following what appeared to be a theft and fastbreak opportunity for the Pacers, guard Aaron Nesmith was called for a kicked ball after deflecting a Brunson pass. The Knicks were awarded possession.
The ball struck Nesmith, but the officials determined he had kicked it due to his foot’s extension. Though such plays are not reviewable, the Pacers have a challenge available.
Referees acknowledged they had missed the call following the game.
“We judged that would be a kicked ball violation on the floor.” A postgame review did reveal that it struck the defender’s hand, which would be legal,” crew chief Zach Zarba wrote in a pool report.
Then, with the Pacers trailing by a point and the clock ticking down, the referee called center Myles Turner for a moving screen on DiVencenzo as he attempted to release point guard Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers contested the call because it was so close, but a review upheld it.
“We’re not anticipating calls in here,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle declared. They didn’t lay off that one, which would have been good. That is then the course of events.”
Leading the Pacers in scoring throughout the defeat, Turner gave DiVencenzo credit for selling the foul. After the heartbreaking loss, he too followed the high path, much like his coach.
“From my experience in this league alone, I believe it’s ideal when players determine the result of the game,” Turner said. “We also have to take responsibility because, for the most part, you can’t leave the game up to the officials.”
The Pacers bemoaned putting Brunson on the line 14 times, but he made them all, and letting DiVincenzo and Josh Hart—who scored 24 points—be such offensive weapons. 65% of their shots came in the second half.
For the third time this postseason, Hart played all 48 minutes—the most since Jimmy Butler did so five times in the 2013 playoffs.
Despite having back spasms and being considered doubtful going into the game, Haliburton managed just six points and made just one shot inside the three-point line. The Pacers struggled mightily to overcome Brunson’s dominance in that showdown of elite point guards.
Throughout his last five games, Brunson has averaged 12.4 points in the fourth quarter. He delivered repeatedly under duress, making 6-of-10 shots and going 8-of-8 from the line down the stretch.
“You could talk about him all night long, and I love that he’s all about the team,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “In the end, what do we need when he cares only about winning and his teammates?” Should we bring along a large bucket? He will supply everything we need.
