DENVER — Jalen Brunson played 440 games in the NBA and 162 with the Knicks, but this was the best night of food of his career.
The All-Star point guard had a career-high 17 assists and tied a franchise record with 45 assists in the Knicks' 145-118 win over the Nuggets on Monday.
“It's great for me to get a career high, but it's an achievement.” [my teammates]” Brunson also scored 23 points. “Everyone in this locker room works really hard. They put a lot into their game. I mean, literally, it wouldn't have been possible without them.”
Former Villanova teammate and podcast co-host Josh Hart said the 17-assist night was “probably… [something] We'll never see each other again.'' Brunson shot back, “Yeah, Josh's funny. He could have scored more points if we didn't give him the ball.''
Brunson became the first Knick player since Nate Robinson in 2008-09 to have at least 20 points and 15 assists in the same game.
“I thought Jalen had an unbelievable floor game,” Tom Thibodeau said.
With valuable Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson on the Knicks' five-game road trip, the first of two injured big men appears to be nearing a return to action.
Achiuwa, who has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring late in the preseason, has been cleared for contact and could make his season debut soon, but he is still unlikely to participate in the road trip that ends in Dallas (Wednesday). and Charlotte (Friday).
“Precious is doing just about everything right now,” Thibodeau said before the game. “I heard from him, he’s on the next step, he’s getting close.
“And Mitch, obviously, just having him around and not really being allowed to do anything other than the rehab part. But seeing him progress so well. That's a good thing. He's not as close as Precious, but we're both very encouraged.”
Robinson underwent surgery on his left ankle in May and is expected to be out until at least December or January.
When asked if he thought Achiuwa would play on the road trip, Thibodeau added: He hasn't gotten there yet. I just want to be patient. We don't want this to happen again. Let him get through it and when he's ready, he'll be ready. ”
Miles McBride returned to action after missing five games with a knee problem and scored 13 points in 27 minutes.
