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Without the injured Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson carried the New York Knicks to a crucial 130-116 win over the playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers. The former Dallas Mavericks point guard dropped a career-high 48 points on 7-12 shooting from behind the arc.
Fans quickly tossed in their thoughts after Brunson’s sizzling performance against the Cavs:
“Carried luka to the WCF and everyone forgets”
The Knicks needed two wins to grab a playoff spot heading into the game versus the Cavaliers. New York’s situation only got harder following news of Julius Randle’s injury. The All-Star forward will miss the remainder of the regular season.
Tonight’s win on the road against a strong Cavaliers unit, pushes them to the brink of a postseason appearance. Cleveland’s loss also meant that the Cavs are not yet guaranteed of grabbing home court advantage in the first-round of the playoffs.
New York, who had a three-point lead, had an early 14-2 burst in the fourth quarter for a little bit of separation. Donovan Mitchell, who had 42 points, tried to close the gap with three minutes left in the game.
Jalen Brunson, however, took the game by the scruff of its neck by his playmaking and shotmaking. His three-pointer and layup deflated Cleveland and allowed the Knicks to march to the win.
Brunson had a chance to hit the half-century mark but missed a high-arching floater. He also had nine assists and four rebounds while hitting 18-32 from the field.
The Dallas Mavericks' loss has clearly been the New York Knicks' gain. Dallas delayed offering Jalen Brunson an extension, which helped push the point guard out of Texas.
It doesn't hurt that Rick Brunson, Jalen's father, is part of the Knicks' coaching staff. When the Knicks offered him a four-year $104 million deal, Brunson headed to the Big Apple.
Dallas may rue what they have lost if they fail to get into the postseason while the Knicks get a guaranteed playoff spot.
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks still have plenty of work to do
After tonight’s win in Cleveland, the New York Knicks will have four chances of officially entering the playoffs. They will face the Washington Wizards, the Indiana Pacers twice and the New Orleans Pelicans.
All of these teams are still playing for something, which will make Jalen Brunson’s job tougher. Washington and Indiana still have slim hopes of making the play-in while the Pelicans are also pushing for the same in the Western Conference.
Tonight, Brunson carried the Knicks, but head coach Tom Thibodeau will need others to step up for his team.
Mitchell Robinson, RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Josh Hart and Immanuel Quickley all played crucial roles in the victory. The Knicks will need them to sustain the same performance to bring themselves back to the postseason.
You may also like to read: Watch: Jalen Brunson's priceless reaction as Knicks finalize trade for his former Villanova teammate Josh Hart
