Jalen

Brunson

Brunson has made some big plays in this series and has had strong stretches, but his production overall has been subpar. However, this was by far his best performance, and the Hawks simply didn’t have an answer. He dominated this game and hit multiple big shots in the fourth quarter to put this game away and give the Knicks all the momentum heading into Game 6. If Brunson is playing at this level, the Knicks will have a chance to make a deep run this postseason.

Improved defense and a group effort on the offensive end won the day for the Knicks, helping compensate for a mediocre showing from Brunson. In addition to the low field-goal percentage, the Knicks’ point guard recorded six turnovers. In the 114-98 victory, the Knicks were at their best when more of the action ran through Karl-Anthony Towns, taking some of the pressure off of Brunson. They’ll need to do more of the same in Game 5 on Tuesday.

As usual, Brunson was one of the main contributors on the offensive end for the Knicks. He led the team in field-goal attempts by a large margin and finished as New York’s second leading scorer. The veteran point guard failed to convert any of his three-point attempts on Thursday and nearly had as many turnovers as assists. It wasn’t a flawless game by Brunson, but he was still effective. He can be even better on Saturday in Game 4.

Brunson may have scored 29 points, but the Hawks made him work for every one. The Knicks’ guard needed 26 field-goal attempts, and he shot 6-of-16 from inside the arc. No other Knick attempted more than 12 shots, something that cannot happen if New York is to play deep into the postseason. Now with the series tied at one game apiece, the scene shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday.

Brunson shot 6-of-18 from inside the arc in Game 1, but an efficient 3-of-4 day from three helped compensate for those struggles. Between Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks have two perimeter defenders capable of making things difficult for Brunson. However, he still managed to finish Game 1 with 28 points, and the seven assists were countered by just two turnovers. The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday night.

While Brunson will miss Sunday’s game due to injury management, Kolek will miss a fourth straight with a strained oblique. Jose Alvarado should play plenty, and Sunday’s game may be one where the Knicks look to get Miles McBride going, as he’s struggled since returning from sports hernia surgery.

Brunson and the Knicks took care of business on Friday, securing the No. 3 seed in the East with their win and Cleveland’s loss to Atlanta. As a result, fantasy managers in active leagues should plan for the possibility of Brunson not playing in Sunday’s game against the Hornets. If he sits, Jose Alvarado (12/5/2 with one three-pointer) would move into the starting lineup.

One game removed from recording a 30-point double-double in a win over the Hawks, Brunson recorded his third double-double in as many games on Thursday. Over his last three games, the Knicks’ point guard has been responsible for 34 assists and six turnovers. While Brunson is a more than capable scorer, the Knicks are at their best offensively when everyone plays a part in the action. Against the Celtics, Brunson was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, one of the reasons why the Knicks pulled out the victory.

Brunson got off to a slow start to this game, and he entered halftime with just six points. Per usual, he was able to come up big late to help lead the Knicks to victory. He scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and 24 total points in the second half to help New York secure a three-point victory. This was his 11th double-double of the season, with three of those coming in his last five games, including two straight. Brunson’s production this season was pretty similar to what he did last year, though he did slow down as the year progressed. Still, he reminded the world in this game that he’ll be ready to take over when the playoffs start.

Back in action after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Grizzlies, Brunson played 30 minutes on Friday. With the Knicks scoring 20 of the game’s first 21 points, there was little need for the Knicks to push their point guard too far. Brunson recorded his second points/assists double-double in four appearances while committing just two turnovers. The Knicks are done for Week 23, but they’ll play four games in Week 24 for those competing in fantasy leagues that will still be active.