Monday night, the New York Knicks beat the Houston Rockets 124-118 behind a late surge. It was a tough game for an undermanned New York, as Houston’s waves of athleticism and toughness were very difficult to handle. Behind young studs Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, Ime Udoka‘s bunch took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Luckily for New York, who didn’t have OG Anunoby for the first time all season, their captain would ensure they didn’t lose this one. Jalen Brunson‘s latest masterclass saved the day, dropping 42 points and 10 assists on 14-27 from the field. Brunson scored 17 in the fourth, including several late baskets against All-NBA caliber defenders. Once again, MVP chants showered the Nova product after his heroic performance at the Garden.
Knicks Fans Shouldn’t Take Jalen Brunson for Granted
Before Brunson arrived in New York in the 2022 offseason, the point guard position was a serious issue. Here are the starting point guards on opening night since 2009: Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton, Allonzo Trier, Trey Burke, Ramon Sessions, Derrick Rose, Jose Calderon, Shane Larkin, Pablo Prigioni, Raymond Felton, Toney Douglas, Raymond Felton, and Chris Duhon. A couple of things stand out. Until Brunson, the Knicks didn’t have the same starting PG in back-to-back years since Duhon in 2008 and 2009. Also, even in their best years, New York has rarely had a competent starter at the all-important position. The only well-known PGs who have suited up for the Knicks before Brunson since 2009 are Derrick Rose (past his prime), Kemba Walker (past his prime), and Raymond Felton, who was a solid player.
Every Knicks starting point guard on opening night since 2009:
2009: Chris Duhon
2010: Ray Felton
2011: Toney Douglas
2012: Ray Felton
2013: P. Prigioni
2014: Shane Larkin
2015: Jose Calderon
2016: D Rose
2017: Ramon Sessions
2018: Trey Burke
2019: Allonzo Trier
2020: Elf Payton— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) October 20, 2021
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Brunson has been a savior for this franchise as the leader of a remarkable organizational turnaround. He’s the best player and leader on the team and has been rightfully named the 36th captain of the Knicks. Brunson has completely changed basketball in New York City.
Brunson is Becoming a Knicks Legend Already
With last night’s outburst, Brunson passed Carmelo Anthony for third all-time in 40-point games as a Knick. He compiled 18 of them in just 194 games, whereas Melo played 412 games for New York. It’s no slight to Carmelo to say that Brunson has already been a better Knick, as he’s climbing up the ranks of franchise lore in just his third season. Anthony was stuck with a struggling roster, although he was partly responsible for forcing a trade to New York rather than waiting for free agency. Still, Brunson is accomplishing so much, as he’s turned the organization completely around. Last night’s outing was also the 12th 30+ point, 10+ assist game for Brunson, the best in Knicks history.
If Brunson finishes his career as a Knick, he will rank highly in nearly every statistic, but his legend will truly come from winning. Many of NY’s greatest stars failed to win a championship, as the franchise has gone 52 years since hoisting the trophy. Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Anthony, and many more all hung ’em up before bringing a title to the city. Setting the stats aside, this is Brunson’s ultimate goal.
Luka Dončić Trade Showed Nothing is Guaranteed
While I seriously doubt Leon Rose would ever trade Brunson, nothing in the NBA is guaranteed. For Luka Dončić, his Mavericks tenure ended with no rumored frustration on his end and a shocking trade in the middle of the night. However, injuries, locker room issues, and natural decline can happen faster than anyone thinks. There will come a day when Jalen Brunson doesn’t suit up for the Knicks. New York fans should enjoy their future icon while they can. Players like this don’t come around that often.
Image credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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