Brunson scores career-high 50, hits all 9 of his 3-point pictures to assist Knicks prime Suns 139-122
PHOENIX — Jalen Brunson’s eighth 3-point try of the evening initially seemed a bit off the mark, hitting the aspect of the rim earlier than bouncing round a pair instances and eventually dropping by.
The sixth-year guard was so sizzling from the sphere {that a} shooter’s roll virtually appeared unfair. He acquired it anyway.
Brunson scored a career-high 50 factors whereas hitting all 9 of his 3-point makes an attempt, Julius Randle added 23 and the New York Knicks beat the Phoenix Suns 139-122 on Friday evening.
It was an excellent taking pictures show from Brunson, who made 17 of 23 pictures, together with 12 of 12 within the second half. His closing 3 acquired him to 50 factors for the evening. He additionally had 5 steals.
“I had no idea,” Brunson mentioned about his perfection from lengthy vary. “I was just playing free.”
Brunson is the primary Knicks participant in franchise historical past to attain 50 factors whereas making 9 3s.
Phoenix – which misplaced star guard Bradley Beal to an ankle damage within the first quarter – has dropped six of its final eight. New York has received two of three.
“They made shots and just got hot and aggressive,” Suns star Kevin Durant mentioned. “They killed us in the pick and roll and that was the game.”
The Suns led by 10 halfway by the third quarter however settled for a 99-97 lead heading to the fourth. Brunson saved the Knicks shut with 19 factors within the quarter on 7-for-7 taking pictures, together with 5 3-pointers.
“The way he shot the ball was special,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned.
The Knicks used a 13-4 run early within the fourth to push forward and by no means misplaced the lead, pulling away within the closing minutes.
Durant scored 29 factors to guide the Suns. Devin Booker added 28.
Durant scored 17 factors within the first half, main the Suns to a 68-63 halftime lead. Brunson led the Knicks with 15.
Beal was harm after taking a 3-point shot within the first quarter, which he made, however he landed on the foot of New York’s Donte DiVincenzo, who was referred to as for a Flagrant 1 foul as a result of he didn’t permit Beal an area to land.
The 30-year-old guard was on the bottom for a couple of minutes, writhing in ache. He ultimately acquired as much as make his free throw, however then went to the locker room.
It’s one other setback for Beal, who has missed most of this season with a sore again. It additionally means the Suns may be and not using a member of their All-Star trio for one more prolonged interval. Durant, Booker and Beal have performed only one sport collectively this season earlier than Friday.
Suns coach Frank Vogel mentioned it was a sprained ankle and X-rays have been unfavourable.
“Injuries are a part of the game,” Vogel mentioned. “I’m disappointed for him. You could see the disappointment on his face in the back. That’s my biggest concern, keeping him lifted. He’ll get back soon enough, but it’s been a frustrating injury type of season for him.”
MARION HONORED
Shawn Marion was honored with a spot within the Suns‘ Ring of Honor following the sport.
Marion – a four-time All-Star – spent the primary 8 1/2 seasons of his profession with the Suns, teaming with fellow stars Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash to advance to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006.
Marion averaged 18.4 factors and 10 rebounds with the Suns.
UP NEXT
Knicks: At Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday evening.
Suns: Host Washington on Sunday evening.
