PHOENIX — There's something about this arena for Jalen Brunson.
A year after dropping his first 50-shot bomb in Phoenix, the Knicks point guard had his best performance of the season with 36 points and 10 assists, defeating the Suns 138-122 on Wednesday.
Brunson went 12-of-21 (including 3-of-11), and Karl-Anthony Towns (34 points, 10 boards, 12-of-19 shooting) joined an efficient team. Ta.
On November 20, 2024, the Knicks defeated the Suns 138-122. NBAE (via Getty Images)
The Knicks (9 wins, 6 losses), an emerging powerhouse on the offensive side, have won four straight.
In three games at Footprint Arena as a Knick, Brunson averaged 37.7 points.
He keeps the game-winning ball from last season's 50-point outburst in Phoenix, something Brunson treasures even more than the 61-point gem he scored in San Antonio a few months later.
“That's a no-brainer. We lost,” Brunson said.
The Knicks certainly didn't lose on Wednesday. In fact, they never trailed against the shorthanded Suns (9-7).
Two of Phoenix's big three, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, were out with injuries.
Ighodaro when the Knicks beat the Suns. Getty Images
The Suns are very capable of winning even without Durant (1-6), who has a calf injury and is not scheduled to return.
Phoenix had no defense or support for Devin Booker on Wednesday.
The Knicks (9-6) started this season without key bench players but avoided the devastating injury bug plaguing the NBA.
Tom Thibodeau, a spokesman for opponents of load management, said the secret to good health is to stay in shape.
“The story could go a million different ways,” the Knicks coach said. “I think if you dig deeper into this issue, you'll find that injuries have always been a part of the game. If you're playing professional sports, you're basically trying to prevent injuries or guarantee that they won't happen. The only way you can do it is by not participating, not practicing, not playing, never getting hurt.
“But if you're going out there, it pays to be in great shape all the time. So you have to do everything you can to be ready to survive a long season. When I look at a player, I think they're usually players who are in incredible shape, have stayed in shape all year, and are ready for what they're going to go through.”
The first quarter was an offensive clinic for the Knicks. That set the tone for the explosion.
Knicks had 44 points and 14 assists on 18-of-23 shooting, including 8-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Brunson was a spark in the opening half, scoring 11 points and dishing out six assists with perfect shooting.
At halftime, the lead had expanded to 18 points.
The Suns lacked firepower other than Booker (33 points, 38 minutes) and never responded.
The Knicks shot 58 percent overall and 49 percent on treys.
Josh Hart struggled with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Every starter scored at least 14 points, demonstrating once again the balance that has helped the team get through its opening 15 games.
The Western Conference trip, which includes stops in Utah, Denver and Dallas, is off to a strong start.
Branson again took charge of business in Phoenix.
