Jalen Brunson scores 42 points to Fuel Knicks’ Rally for Win Over Rockets

Jalen Brunson receives so often waving “MVP” sang around Madison Square Garden.

Well, MVPs have a habit of raising their games to another level when co -stars, especially those who are as important as and Anunoby, are out. And that’s exactly what Brunson did.

He put the team on his back and brought a furious Knick’s comeback in the fourth quarter on their way to their 124-118 victory over the short-haired rockets on Monday night in Madison Square Garden.

For a while, this eerily -like resemblance backed to what Knicks looked like last year without Anunoby.

Knicks was down to 11 points entering the fourth quarter. Amen Thompson, without Anunoby there to protect him, torch their defense.

They struggled mighty to shoot from 3-point reach.

Life without Anunoby, who received the biggest contract in the franchise story this last season, is much harder. But Knicks was clearly not in the mood for excuses. Teams who want to consider themselves challengers do not allow themselves to do anything.

They immediately surpassed Rockets 46-29 in the fourth quarter. Brunson scored seven straight knicks points late in the quarter to give them a 118-114 lead. Then he removed Thompson for defense to win possession. Then he was stepped and drilled both free-kick-what made it nine straight knicks points for him to extend the lead to 120-116 by 21.2 seconds left. That was enough.

Brunson led all scorers with 42 points. He also added 10 assists.

Yes, the rockets, which have emerged as one of NBA’s biggest surprises this year, played without Alperen Sengun, Fred Vanvleet and Jabari Smith Jr., who are all usually starters. But this was an inspiring Knick’s comeback without one of their leading stars.

Rockets represents what Knicks has largely struggling with this season – a young, athletic team that can run up and down the field and hurt opponents in the transition.

They entered Monday’s game on average 18.3 quick pause points per day. Fight – second most in the whole NBA.

Sengun and Smith are important parts of the dynamics of Rockets, but even without them, Rockets had plenty of youth and athletics available in Thompson (no. 4 elections last year), Jalen Green (No. 2 elections in 2021) and Tari Eason ( No. 17 elections in 2022).

Knicks was still Outscored 21-17 on quick break points, but most of Rocket’s injuries came in the first half. In the past week, Knicks have beaten grizzlies, nuggets and rockets, all elite teams. Maybe they’ve found a plan.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 22 points per day.

After their five-game victory was snapped by Lakers on Saturday, Knicks is right back on the field.