Jalen Brunson has completely turned the tide after a rough start to the postseason. In Games 1 and 2 of their first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brunson averaged 23.0 points per game on just 29% FGs. Since then, Brunson has put up numbers in video games, averaging 42.0 points and 9.4 assists per game on impressive shooting splits of 50% FG/34% 3P/82% FT.
The Knicks needed all of Brunson’s heroics. In the first round, the Knicks won the series over Philadelphia with a point differential of just +1, one of the closest playoff series in NBA history. Last night, Brunson scored 21 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter in a 121-117 win over the Pacers, a game in which New York once trailed 94-85 with 10:34 left in the fourth quarter.
Brunson will continue his quest for NBA history on Wednesday in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. After a thrilling Game 1 win, Brunson and the Knicks will look to take control of the series with another win at home before the series returns to Indiana for Game 3.