Jalen Brunson enhances Knicks' legacy in Game 3 win

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a missed shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson enhances Knicks' legacy in Game 3 win over 76ers

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 8, 2026 11:23 PM ET

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Further enhancing his legacy, Jalen Brunson enjoyed another memorable playoff performance in a New York Knicks uniform on Friday night.

Brunson even extended his franchise record with his latest 30-point game in the Knicks' win.

He put up 33 points in 38 minutes while leading the Knicks to a convincing 108-94 win in Philadelphia against the 76ers. And in doing so, Brunson now scored at least 30 points in 24 playoff games since joining the Knicks - he recorded three others with the Dallas Mavericks.

Jalen Brunson owns the most 30-point playoff games in Knicks' history

Brunson's 24 games with 30 or more points in the playoffs continue to argue his case as the Knicks' greatest playoff performer ever. Patrick Ewing is the next closest with 18, although he played in 135 playoff games with the Knicks to Brunson's 51.

Brunson now has three 30-point games so far throughout this year's postseason, one that's far from over for the Knicks, who hold a commanding 3-0 series lead in their second round series and are one win away from a return trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

THE MOST 30-PT PLAYOFF GAMES IN KNICKS HISTORY

Jalen Brunson leads New York to a commanding 3-0 series lead pic.twitter.com/GGB79nJnNb
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 9, 2026

In addition to his scoring, Brunson went 11-for-22 from the field and 3-for-8 from three; he was one assist shy of a double-double. Brunson also helped out with five rebounds and nine assists.

Brunson entered the day already owning the most points scored by any Knicks player in his first 50 playoff games, also surpassing Ewing.

Brunson now needs to get the Knicks to the Finals to become a true legend

While New York fans may require breaking the Knicks' title drought and delivering a championship to be worshiped like legends Walt Frazier and Bernard King, or to at least make a Finals appearance to get to Ewing's level, Brunson's individual prowess has him in a class of his own in terms of what past greats have produced when the games matter the most.

New York's recent dominance and six consecutive wins, five of which have come by double figures, most view the Knicks as the favorites to win the East and place Brunson on the NBA's grandest stage.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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