Jalen Brunson is feeling unstoppable, especially of late. The former Villanova Wildcats star put up yet another show on Thursday when he lit up the Boston Celtics for 39 points in a 118-109 road win for the New York Knicks. The Celtics might not be too focused on winning that game considering that they have locked up the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, but there is no denying that Brunson was sensational against the Knicks’ Atlantic division rivals.
Jalen Brunson Helps the New York Knicks Prevent a Regular-Season Sweep vs. Celtics
Brunson and the Knicks entered Thursday’s date with the Celtics carrying a 0-4 record this season versus Boston. But Brunson was not going to let Boston victimize his team again, as he shot 15/23 from the field and 6/11 from behind the arc while also adding two rebounds and four assists in the win.
“The best thing is he thinks he can get better and he will because that’s his mindset,” Thibodeau said of Brunson following the win against the Celtics (h/t Fred Katz of The Athletic).
Brunson has been scoring like a house on fire of late, and he’s peaking just in time for the looming playoffs.
Over his last six games, Brunson has averaged 36.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while shooting 51.0 percent form the floor and 42.2 percent from the 3-point region.
“We made shots and made the right plays,” Brunson said after slaying the Celtics, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). “Obviously, we know they’re the top dog in the East. Whenever you play against them, it’s always a good measuring stick to see where you’re at. We played pretty well, but we know what they’re capable of doing. We just had their number tonight.”
The Knicks are hoping that Brunson will not run out of fuel come the 2024 NBA Playoffs, as they certainly need him to be at his best to go on a deep run in the postseason.
More must-reads: