The series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers feature an individual matchup involving two of the best guards in the league today in Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton. In Game 1 of the series at Madison Square Garden Monday night, it was clear who outshined who. With an explosive offensive performance, Brunson easily won his battle against Haliburton. Plus, the Knicks won, 121-117.
New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Outshines Tyrese Haliburton
Brunson, who scored 41 points in the series-clinching win over the Philadelphia 76ers on the road last Thursday, showed no signs of slowing down, as he dropped 43 points on 14/26 shooting from the field and a perfect 14/14 performance at the free throw line in Game 1 of the Pacers series. He also added six rebounds and six assists plus a block in 44 minutes of action on the floor. He is truly earning every cent of the $104 million contract he signed with New York back in the summer of 2022.
Via StatMuse:
Last two players with four straight 40-point games in a postseason:
MJ
BrunsonElite.
Brunson has now scored at least 40 points in each of the last four Knicks games, dating back to the first round. Two consecutive 40-point performances more and he would tie Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West for the longest streak of 40-point games in the postseason.
As for Haliburton, the Pacers star point guard only managed to cough up six points on 2/6 shooting, though, he had eight assists and four steals in 36 minutes.
Brunson Has Social Media Buzzing
“If anyone needs me, I’ll be watching Brunson highlights until 4am thanks,” said @KnicksBeast.
Another great fact about Brunson, from Tommy Beer:
“Jalen Brunson is the first and only player in NBA history to score 39+ points while shooting above 45% in five straight playoff games.
First. Only. Ever Think about how many great scorers we’ve seen throughout the history of this league. No one has ever done what Brunson is doing.”
“I was wrong and still loving every second of it. Big body Brunson is built differently,” said Jay Williams.
From Kendrick Perkins: “Hart was Huge tonight… but that Damn Big Body Brunson with a casual 43 piece wing dinner “spicy” was just special especially in the 4th! Btw in the playoffs he’s leading the league in 4th quarter points. One could argue the best closer in the game!!! Carry the hell on…”
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