Jalen Brunson showcased an impressive performance by scoring 44 points in the New York Knicks’ commanding 140-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite experiencing an apparent injury that caused him to leave the game briefly during the third quarter, Brunson’s explosive play was a key factor in the Knicks’ success on Sunday.
Brunson had an exceptional start, with 23 points in the first quarter alone, just one shy of his career-high for any quarter. The injury occurred when he was blocked on a drive, momentarily impacting his game. After going to the locker room, he returned to the court approximately six minutes later, much to the delight of the home crowd. This marked his 40-point game for the 17th time as a Knick, tying him with franchise legend Carmelo Anthony for third place in that category.
The Knicks shot an impressive 58% from the field, with Karl-Anthony Towns contributing significantly, adding 30 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. This victory was crucial for the Knicks, who had struggled recently with four losses in their past five games. The powerful performance served as a morale booster, helping to alleviate some of the negative feelings surrounding their rocky start this season.
On the other side, the Bucks faced a tough outing; this defeat snapped their three-game winning streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 22 points. Notably, the Bucks have struggled during their matches in New York, now experiencing blowout losses in both visits this season.
A pivotal moment in the game came when the Knicks opened the second half with a 10-0 run that forced the Bucks to take two quick timeouts, extending their lead significantly. The Knicks’ 75 points at halftime marked the highest point total the Bucks have allowed in a half this season.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will aim to build on this success as they host the Detroit Pistons on Monday, while the Bucks will be looking to bounce back with a four-game homestand starting against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
This victory not only boosts the Knicks’ confidence but also highlights the resilience of Brunson, who, barring any serious injuries, could continue to lead the team to further successes this season.