The New York Knicks are now up 2-0 after defeating the Indiana Pacers with a score of 130-121 on Wednesday night, but it was not without some nerve-wracking moments.
The fans in Madison Square Garden held their breath when Jalen Brunson hurt his foot with roughly four minutes left in the first quarter. However, when he came out to the locker room a la Willis Reed, Brunson was serenaded with MVP chants as he tried to fight through pain.
The return of Jalen Brunson made the difference for the New York Knicks, as he scored 24 of his 29 points in the second half to lead the way in the Game 2 victory. He also compiled five assists and three steals while going 11-of-18 shooting from the floor.
“I’m just happy I did (return) to be honest with you. We found a way, that’s it,” Brunson said after the game. “I mean, we just find ways. I think for us it just starts with our habits. We’ve talked about doing the little things since day one. The little things matter.”
“There was no doubt in my mind that he’ll be back. All season long, no matter what is thrown at him, injury bug or whatever, he always bounces back. And we knew the severity of the game and everything, so we knew, everybody had confidence he was coming back,” Donte DiVincenzo added about Brunson.
Jalen Brunson says he’ll be ready to lead the New York Knicks again in Game 3
As the series moves to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, Jalen Brunson’s fitness will be key for the New York Knicks. Fortunately for them, the 27-year-old guard said he was “all good” and that he’d be ready.
To say that Jalen Brunson’s production has been critical for the New York Knicks’ success this playoffs is an understatement. Through eight games, he is averaging 35.6 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game on 45.7 percent shooting from the field, including four consecutive 40-point games.