Jalen Brunson’s Struggles Against the Celtics
Jalen Brunson’s performance fell flat on Tuesday evening as the New York Knicks faced off against the Boston Celtics, resulting in a disappointing 123-117 defeat. The star guard managed only 15 points, marking his lowest output of the season, shooting 6-of-21 from the field and hitting just 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. His struggles were reflective of a broader team challenge, particularly during the second and third quarters where the Knicks were outscored 73 to 44 after initially leading by 11 points at the conclusion of the first quarter.
Late-Game Comeback and Coach’s Optimism
Despite a late-game surge, which saw the Knicks mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter, Brunson’s impact was minimal as he contributed just four points on 2-of-7 shooting during that critical stretch. However, Knicks head coach Mike Brown remained optimistic about Brunson’s shooting approach post-game.
“He got the usual looks he takes,” remarked Brown. “He needs to continue shooting confidently and getting to his spots. Sometimes shots simply don’t fall, and that’s okay. A player of his caliber must keep taking those opportunities when they arise.”
Mikal Bridges’ Standout Performance
In Brunson’s stead, Mikal Bridges emerged as a significant offensive force, particularly late in the game. He scored a remarkable 35 points, with 17 coming in the fourth quarter alone, hitting four of his eight attempts from three-point range, which helped narrow the Celtics’ lead to just three points in the dying moments. Brown praised Bridges’ aggressive playstyle, noting,
“He was on fire and incredibly aggressive. Our team did well to find him, and he delivered crucial shots for us during our comeback effort.”
Bridges’ Journey with the Knicks
Bridges’ journey with the Knicks has been tumultuous since they traded away five first-round picks to acquire him ahead of the previous season. His scoring averaged 17.6 points per game last season, which fell short compared to the 20 points he averaged while with the Brooklyn Nets. Heading into Tuesday’s clash, he was averaging 16.1 points per game, though he has shown flashes of brilliance alongside his adept defensive skills. Fans and analysts alike hope that his standout performance against the Celtics signals a turnaround as the Knicks prepare to face the Charlotte Hornets in a back-to-back matchup the following night.
