Knicks Secure Victory with Brunson’s Late Surge

OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns stood out in terms of scoring, but it was old reliable Jalen Brunson who made a crucial impact for the Knicks as the game hung in the balance.

As the match approached its climax, Brunson took charge, reminding fans of similar moments from previous games. He scored 10 consecutive points in the final minutes, finishing with 15 of his last 18 points, and helping lead the Knicks to a 121-116 win over the Pelicans at Madison Square Garden.

This victory marked the Knicks’ seventh consecutive win, which ties it for the second-longest streak of the season. Brunson not only led with 32 points but also assisted on a critical layup by Josh Hart during this decisive period, contributing to 17 of the Knicks’ final 18 points.

Interestingly, the Knicks hold a winning percentage of .658, just a hair behind the Celtics at .662. They’re merely half a game away from the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, and if the Celtics lose to the Thunder on Wednesday, the Knicks could move ahead.

Prior to the game, Coach Mike Brown expressed concerns about the Pelicans’ fast-paced style of play. Initially, the Knicks struggled defensively during a frenetic first half, but they managed to slow the tempo in the latter half.

Zion Williamson, who notably scored 32 points the last time these two teams faced off, put up 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting. However, he didn’t dominate the game this time around, as both Anunoby and Towns effectively guarded him—Anunoby even had key blocks and steals in the fourth quarter.

Seven Knicks players scored in double digits, including Anunoby and Towns, who each ended with 21 points. Off the bench, Mitchell Robinson made a notable contribution with 10 points and eight rebounds. Not to forget, Mikal Bridges added 14 points, while Hart and Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 10 apiece. Yet, in moments that counted, Brunson’s scoring became the focal point.

While the Pelicans may be lower in the standings, they’re not as disappointing as some of the other teams the Knicks faced during their winning streak, which were mostly composed of G League players. The Pelicans had a solid run, winning five of their last seven games, and Williamson remains a formidable talent when healthy. With no first-round pick this year, they also lack the incentive to tank.

After trailing by one point early in the game, the Knicks rattled off a 15-0 run to take control by the end of the first quarter, leading by 14 as they moved into the second quarter.

However, the Pelicans responded with an 18-2 surge to gain the lead early in the second, but the Knicks regrouped and went into halftime with a six-point advantage.

Shifting into the second half, they managed to maintain a slim lead in the fourth. It was at this pivotal moment, with 7:25 left to play, that Brunson checked back into the game, ready to make his mark.