Three Key Takeaways From Knicks vs Rockets Thriller

There​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ was some skepticism among the critics about whether Brunson should take the lead as the main ball-handler in crunch time.

But in the fourth, he turned around every single one of those doubts, loudly and clearly.

Brunson put up eight of the 20 points in the final frame, was perfect from the field late 4-for-4, and hit the go-ahead jump shot with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

The aggressive mentality of Brunson, going at defenders, taking the shot that he made himself, and making game-changing plays, was what New York needed at the moment of the greatest tension.

Besides, he was also very effective defensively, having drawn several charges and making noise, which still further established him as the Knicks’ in-the-moment ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌hero.

Jose Alvarado’s Impact Cannot Be Ignored

Alvarado’s​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ play was instrumental in the comeback. He came into the game during a rotation change, and right away, he energised the team by making steals at crucial times and his attacking play that upset Houston’s game.

Besides scoring, three steals at critical times and tough defense allowed New York to change the game and the crowd at MSG cheered their appreciation.

Alvarado’s knack for getting steals without the ball and fooling the opponent was one of the reasons for the 33-13 fourth-quarter run by the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Knicks.

Balanced Effort and Late Defensive Resolve

Of​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ course, Brunson and Alvarado came through late, but this victory was only possible because of the whole team's contributions. Karl-Anthony Towns was the lead scorer with 25 points and seven rebounds and brought seasoned poise during the rally.

OG Anunoby made the last free throws to close out the game, and other role players helped limit the Rockets' scoring when it mattered most.