Numbers cannot be discussed.
Jalen Brunson's latest clutch-time performance rescued the Knicks from what was one of the most glimpseful losses of the season on Wednesday night.
Instead, the captain's 12 points (including a 1:26 go-ahead three-pointer) in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter lifted the Knicks to a necessary victory after spitting out a 19-point lead to the Sixth team, who lost nine games without injured star Joel Enmid.
This late game show wasn't the norm for Branson, who leads the NBA in league clutch scoring statistics for the season.
Clutch time is defined as the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, or overtime, if the score is within 5 points in either direction.
Branson averages the NBA's most points at 5.5 per game on that metric, with the most created field goals (37) and a .514 shooting rate for 21 situations this season.
The Knicks went 14-7 in those games as they headed for a 38-20 record into a two-game road trip to Memphis and Miami on Friday night against the Grizzlies.
“I really don't know what was going through my mind. After finishing 34 points on Wednesday night, Branson said: “You can't sink [the score]. You can't worry about the past. You just have to go ahead and understand what we are going to do about it now. That's really the only thing in my heart. ”
The NBA began to award the Clutch Player of the Year award in 2023. Branson must be considered a favorite to participate in this year's De'aaron Fox (2022-23) and Stephen Curry (2023-24).
Below are five examples of Branson's heroes in clutch this season:
November 29th: Knicks 99, Hornets 98
The Knicks were taken over late to keep the Knicks unbeaten in play for the NBA Cup group after following in fourth mid-quarter. He sunk five free throws at the final 1:05 and scored 11 clutch points in the final 4:48, finishing at the game high 31.
December 28th: Knicks 136, Wizards 132 (OT)
Branson's season-high 55 points led him to net nine of the Knicks' final 11 points in the fourth quarter, forcing regulation to work overtime with a floater in the remaining game tie-in with 11.1 seconds. He then poured nine more in the additional sessions to prevent what was falling as a horrific road loss for the worst team in the NBA.
February 4th: Knicks 121, Raptors 115
In another tight road game with non-playoff teams, the Raptors reduced their 23-point deficit to 3 at 4:41. However, Branson delved into two big external shots in the final minute, leaving the Knicks' lead six times.
February 12th: Knicks 149, Hawks 148 (OT)
In the final game before the All-Star break, Branson scored six of the Knicks' 12 points in overtime against the Hawks. Branson scored 36 points in 43 minutes, essentially matching 44 All-Star Guard Trae Young's 38.
Wednesday: Knicks 110, 76ers 105
With the All-Star Center being the towns of Embaid and Carl Antony taking action, Branson once again carried the scoring load at a dozen clutch points to help the Knicks return to the victory column after consecutive losses in Cleveland and Boston. The two All-Star guards reached the line all night, sinking 15 of 16 free throw attempts between game-high 34 points.
“Whatever I see is where we try to attack,” Branson said. “I” isn't in, so I say I'm going to score. I'm just going in and saying I'm going
