Brunson does something no Knick has done in 10 years

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates his three-point shot against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Brunson does something no Knicks player has done in 10 years

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 5/3/23

The New York Knicks made a huge investment in Jalen Brunson this season, signing him to a four-year, $104M contract over the summer.

It is really paying off.

Brunson helped lead the Knicks to a playoff spot this season, and had a monster game on Tuesday night to help them even their second round series against the Miami Heat. He also did something that no Knicks player has done in the past 10 years.

With his 30-point effort in the Knicks' 111-105 win, he became the first Knicks player since Carmelo Anthony to record at least 30 points in a playoff game at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony was the last Knicks player to do that back during the 2013 playoffs.

Fittingly enough, Anthony was in attendance for Tuesday's game and shared an embrace with Brunson.

He also received a rousing cheer from the Knicks faithful.

Once a Knick, always a Knick. pic.twitter.com/XFHjiGRlND
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 3, 2023

Brunson shot 10-for-19 from the field including an incredible 6-for-10 from three-point range. He also added five total rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win.

This was a game the Knicks had to have. Already trailing the series 1-0 thanks to their Game 1 loss, the Knicks could not afford to fall into a 2-0 hole before the series shifts back to Miami on Saturday. Especially since the Heat were playing Tuesday's game without superstar Jimmy Butler who was sidelined due to a sprained ankle.

Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett also had huge games for the Knicks, scoring 24 and 25 points respectively.

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