Jalen Brunson gave the Suns fits once again as the Knicks hit a new season-high in points in their 138-122 win on Wednesday night in Phoenix.
Here are the takeaways…
-The Knicks were up big for most of the game but the Suns made a run in the third thanks to some amazing three-point shooting and lackadaisical defense from New York. A 17-5 run cut the Knicks’ lead to just 11 points with six minutes remaining in the quarter. Phoenix’s defensive intensity increased and double-teamed Jalen Brunson often. However, New York would rebound to keep their lead between 16-18 for the remainder of the quarter, thanks in large part to Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT was 3-for-4 in the frame, including 2-for-2 from three both coming when the Suns were on runs.
Phoenix would cut the Knicks lead down to 12 with seven minutes remaining in the fourth but Brunson wouldn’t let the score get closer with some big buckets.
-The last time Brunson was in Phoenix (Dec. 15, 2023), he scored 50 points on 9-of-9 shooting from three. He extended that streak to 14 straight threes before finally missing one from beyond the arc in the third quarter. The Knicks captain finished with 36 points on 12-of-21 shooting (7-11 from three), 10 assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Towns scored 34 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. OG Anunoby (14 points, seven rebounds) and Josh Hart (19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists) contributed to the Knicks scoring.
-Two former Suns returned to Phoenix in this one. Mikal Bridges, who spent his first four seasons with the Suns, scored 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, three rebounds and five assists.
Cam Payne, who spent parts of four seasons in Phoenix, was asked to take on the burden of being the first guard off the bench with Miles McBride out with knee soreness and he delivered. Payne scored 12 points while dishing three assists and coming down with one rebound and one steal off the bench. He also logged 26 minutes, the most of the Knicks’ bench.
-The Suns were without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on Wednesday. Without their scoring, Devin Booker had to shoulder that load and did an admirable job. Booker scored 33 points on 12-of-23 shooting. No other Suns player had more than 17 points.
Game MVP: Jalen Brunson
Brunson allowed the Knicks to get out to a big early lead with his hot shooting and distribution of the ball. Although the Suns’ defense clamped down on him a bit in the second half, he came up with big buckets when it counted in the fourth quarter.
Highlights
What’s next
The Knicks continue their West Coast trip against the Utah Jazz on Saturday afternoon. Tip is set for 5 p.m.
