Jalen Brunson's huge night puts Knicks on verge of playoff clinch

Brunson did it against the Knicks' likely first-round playoff opponent, too, one which boasts the league's top-ranked defense. After Cavaliers point guard Donovan Mitchell earned an All-Star Game start in February -- while Brunson was snubbed -- there was more than enough motivation entering the Friday matchup.

Mitchell was no slouch himself, scoring 42 points for Cleveland. Ultimately Brunson's performance was simply too overwhelming. That virtuoso show included a dagger three to cap things off, one which elicited an emphatic "BANG!" from broadcaster Mike Breen.

Julius Randle was so excited that he almost re-injured his bad ankle crashing Brunson's postgame interview.

After Friday night, the Knicks have to feel much better about playing without Randle. And about playing the Cavaliers in the postseason, should that expected matchup come to fruition in April.