Brutal in his self-criticism after Game 1, after which he took responsibility for the Knicks’ defeat despite an outing with 25 points, 7 assists (but 5 ball losses) and 5 rebounds, Jalen Brunson was off to a bad start to do better, in Game 2 tonight against a private Heat from Jimmy Butler, still at Madison Square Garden.
Announced “uncertain”, a little to everyone’s surprise before this second “round”, because of a painful right ankle, the leader of the Knicks was indeed very badly embarked this night, when joining the locker room for halftime : 7 points only, 1/6 on shots! But the most disturbing was the visual impression left by the former Villanova, who appeared in dire need of rhythm and juice in the legs.
Not enough to worry the conductor of the New York attack, who then opted for the only option in his mind: grit his teeth.
” I had a weird feeling in my ankle after Game 1. And the next few hours it got worse. So you had to be mentally strong » said Jalen Brunsonwho still recognized that the pain was significant enough to consider not playing this Game 2. “ I started telling myself that I couldn’t feel sorry for myself because no one was going to. It’s the playoffs. So I said to myself: ‘go on the field, and play basketball’. It’s that simple. »
A reliable boy, despite the sores
And it’s an understatement to say that he played (very) well in basketball after returning from the locker room: 23 of his 30 points scored in the second half, including 10 points in the fourth quarter alone, including a huge shot award-winning then a decisive “floater” four minutes from the end, to give the advantage to the Knicks and blow up the “MSG”.
” It’s the kind of reaction that personifies him. A leader, a badass also appreciated Tom Thibodeau. ” He never disappoints you as a coach. He never gives up. »
The final word for the main interested party, who ignited Madison Square Garden and explained that it was ” always a nice feeling to be able to contribute so decisively in an important victory, while ensuring that he ” was going to have to do even better. I can still do better, on certain points. »
Whatever the outcome of this series for the Knicks, one thing is certain: their point guard will go after himself…
| Jalen Brunson | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | DAL | 73 | 22 | 46.7 | 34.8 | 72.5 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 9.3 |
| 2019-20 | DAL | 57 | 18 | 46.6 | 35.8 | 81.3 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 8.2 |
| 2020-21 | DAL | 68 | 25 | 52.3 | 40.5 | 79.5 | 0.4 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 12.6 |
| 2021-22 | DAL | 79 | 32 | 50.2 | 37.3 | 84.0 | 0.5 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 16.3 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 68 | 35 | 49.1 | 41.6 | 82.9 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.2 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 24.0 |
| Total | 345 | 27 | 49.3 | 38.6 | 81.2 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 14.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
