Jalen Brunson delivered an impressive performance for the New York Knicks, scoring 44 points in a dominant 140-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Despite experiencing a scare in the third quarter due to an apparent injury—following a blocked shot that left him slow to get up—Brunson returned to the game after a brief absence, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Brunson’s explosive start set the tone for the game, as he dropped 23 points in the first quarter alone. With this game, he matched Carmelo Anthony’s record for the third-most 40-point games in Knicks history, illustrating his significant impact on the team’s offensive performance. Karl-Anthony Towns also made a substantial contribution, recording 30 points and 18 rebounds, helping the Knicks’ shooting to soar at 58% for the evening.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their three-game winning streak from coming to an end. The Bucks struggled defensively, especially in the first half, where they allowed 75 points, their highest total given up this season.
A crucial moment in the game came right after halftime when the Knicks launched a 10-0 run, prompting the Bucks to burn two quick timeouts as they fell behind 85-62. The Knicks’ confidence was palpable as they aimed to rectify their earlier struggles this season, and if Brunson remains healthy, this match could signify a turnaround for the team.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will host the Detroit Pistons on Monday, while the Bucks will embark on a four-game homestand against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. Overall, the Knicks’ emphatic win showcases their potential when their star players are in form, promising an exciting season ahead.