In a sensational Game 1 showdown, Jalen Brunson spearheaded the New York Knicks to a thrilling 121-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. Brunson’s remarkable performance saw him tally 43 points, with an astounding 21 points scored in the final 10.5 minutes, nearly single-handedly outscoring the Pacers down the stretch.
Brunson’s incredible feat places him in elite company. He joins basketball legends Jerry West, Michael Jordan, and Bernard King as the only players with four consecutive playoff games in which he scores 40 or more points. Notably, Brunson achieved this milestone while also dishing out 5 or more assists in each game, showcasing his versatility on the court.
Assisting Brunson in the victory were his former college teammates Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, collectively contributing 92 points to the Knicks’ tally. Hart played a crucial role in the game-ending surge, while DiVincenzo sealed the victory with a clutch 3-pointer.
Despite strong performances from Pacers starters Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam, their bench dominated, outscoring the Knicks bench 46-3. Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, Isaiah Jackson, and Ben Sheppard combined for an impressive 46 points on efficient shooting, highlighting the depth of the Pacers’ roster.
Fat Joe, a diehard Knicks fan, is making bold claims about Jalen Brunson’s potential to become the greatest Knick ever.
Despite legends like Willis Reed, Walt Clyde Frazier, and Patrick Ewing, Joe believes Brunson is on the cusp of surpassing them. This is not hyperbole. Joe has a point. He recently told TMZ “That was the best pickup we ever had as a Knick,” Fat Joe said.
ICYMI, Brunson averaged 28.7, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists a game this season. And get this, when the Knicks just eliminated the Sixers in a brutal series, he was all but unstoppable. Thursday night, he put up 41 points (13 for 27 FG), 3 rebounds and 12 assists in only 44 minutes.
With the Knicks advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs, Fat Joe credits much of their success to Brunson’s stellar performances. Brunson’s recent 41-point game has further fueled Joe’s admiration for the player, calling him the best pickup in Knicks history. Well, Carmelo Anthony was a free agent signing but he arguably never had the playoff or regular season team success that Brunson is having in his early Knicks career.
According to Fat Joe, Brunson’s path to solidifying his legacy involves winning a championship. Even amidst praise for past Knicks greats like Clyde Frazier and Bernard King, Fat Joe sees Brunson’s impact as unprecedented.
The 27-year-old NBA star even made time for a video chat with Joe after a crucial playoff win. As the Knicks gear up for their next series against the Indiana Pacers, Fat Joe eagerly anticipates witnessing Brunson’s continued brilliance on the court.
Fat Joe ended his support with “this Jalen Brunson, man, is must-see TV. Must-see TV. Cannot miss it!”
Tyrese Maxey’s star continued to rise on Tuesday night in New York City as he delivered a Playoff career-high performance. He scored 46 points to propel the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 112-106 overtime victory over the Knicks, forcing a crucial Game 6 back in Philadelphia.
Maxey’s heroics in the final moments of regulation sparked an unforgettable comeback, etching his name in Sixers lore. His seven-point flurry in the last 25 seconds marked a historic achievement, with the Sixers becoming the first team in the play-by-play era to win a Playoff game when trailing by 6+ points in the final moments.
The young guard’s clutch shooting, including a game-tying 35-footer from the logo, showcased his fearless mentality and ability to rise to the occasion. Maxey’s performance overshadowed a stellar showing from Knicks’ guard Brunson, as he outdueled him in a clash of first-time All-Stars.
Alongside Maxey’s brilliance, Joel Embiid’s historic triple-double performance further solidified the Sixers’ dominance. Embiid’s remarkable stat line of 19 points, 16 rebounds, ten assists, and four blocks highlighted his invaluable contributions to the team’s success.
The Sixers’ epic rally mirrored the stunning finish of Game 2, illustrating the resilience and determination of both teams in the series. With Game 6 looming, the Sixers have breathed new life into their Playoff campaign, determined to seize victory on their home court and continue their pursuit of Playoff glory.
Game 6 is back in Philly on Thursday. You can see the crazy finish below.
The playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philidelphia 76ers has been a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for the Sixers fans. Game two was a nail-biter, featuring one of the most intense and dramatic endings to an NBA playoff game in recent memory. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, staged a miraculous comeback, much to the dismay of the Sixers. The Sixers felt the officials played a crucial part in their defeat. The Knicks emerged victorious with a score of 104-101, setting Madison Square Garden ablaze. 76ers superstar Joel Embiid’s frustration was palpable as he openly criticized the officials post-game.
The 76ers looked like they were going to be able to close out the game against the Knicks easily. The sequence that has caused the Sixers to file an official grievance with the league started with a Brunson 3-pointer. Now up by 3 points, the Sixers have their inbound pass tipped, leading to a Tyrese Maxey turnover, which leads to a missed 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo. Divacenzo misses the three, but the Knicks get the rebound, and the Sharpshooter gets another look and drains it. The Knicks went on to win the game, but controversy surrounds the dramatic victory.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The NBA’s Last two-minute report has validated Joel Embiid and the Sixers’ complaints, shedding light on the crucial referee mistakes that influenced the game’s outcome. The report confirms that officials overlooked an attempt by 76ers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout. This oversight allowed the sequence at the end of the game to unfold, altering the course of the game. There was also a missed foul call with 27 seconds remaining. Brunson tugged tug Tyrese Maxey’s jersey on the inbound, a move that led to the Knicks gaining possession and, ultimately, the lead. Maxey was also fouled three seconds later by Josh Hart, just before the Sixers guard lost the ball.
There were officially missed calls at the end of the Sixer’s loss, but they still had opportunities to close out the game. If the Sixers had been able to get the rebound on the first DiVacenzo three-pointer, the game would have been over. Also, before Maxey was fouled, fans pointed out that he had committed an offensive foul. Maxey pushed off of Jalen Brunson before the sequence. The Sixers had their chance. Missed calls happen, but you have to play through them. You can’t expect the refs to bail you out of a jam. Just get the rebound, and the series is tied.
As the NBA regular season concludes and teams prepare for the playoffs, 2K has unveiled the latest player ratings for NBA 2K24. These ratings reflect the standout performances of key players who have positioned their teams for postseason success.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the pack, whose stellar play has earned him a 97 overall rating, up by one point. Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive stats make him a frontrunner for the NBA Most Valuable Player award, with averages of 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and two steals per game.
Meanwhile, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson’s rating has risen to 93 overall, also up by one point. Brunson’s career-best performances this season include averaging 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game and an impressive 84% free-throw percentage.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has shown significant improvement in his sophomore season, earning an 88 overall rating, up by one point. Banchero’s enhanced shot selection and improved efficiency on the floor have highlighted his potential as a critical facilitator for the Magic’s offense.
As the playoffs heat up, NBA 2K24 will update player ratings to showcase the top performers and hot hands throughout the postseason journey. Stay tuned for more updates as teams vie for a spot in the NBA Finals.
With Coi Leray pretty in pink courtside, Jalen Brunson balled out against the Wizards, dropping a 41/8/8 stat line in the 113-108 win. It was Brunson’s fourth 40-point game of the season and his first since dropping a career-high 50 points against the Suns in December. However, fans were quick to joke that it was Leray’s presence that spurred Brunson’s big performance. Prior to the game against Washington, Brunson was averaging 25.9 points per game through the first seven games of January. Perhaps it was the presence of Leray that, as one X user put it, turned Brunson into “2001 Allen Iverson”. However, on the other hand, he was playing against the Wizards.
Despite the big performance, Brunson did not receive much help from his teammates. Julius Randle was the only other Knick to break 20 points while the bench combined for just seven points. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 24 points. Meanwhile, Leray’s close friend Kyle Kuzma had 15. With the win, the Knicks moved to 25-17 on the season and currently occupy fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Meanwhile, there are concerns about how the new NBA rest rule could affect the MVP race. Joel Embiid can miss no more than seven of the Sixers’ remaining 43 games in order to be eligible for MVP this season. Due to a spate of injuries, Embiid has played 29 of the Sixers’ 39 games this season. However, due to load management rules implemented in the offseason, Embiid needs to play in 65 games to be eligible for all major awards. This means that Embiid must play in at least 36 of the team’s remaining games to be eligible for the award he is currently the frontrunner for.
“The goal is to be ready for the playoffs. If I can’t meet the criteria of 65 games … as long as I’m ready to be dominant in that time in April, that’s all I care about,” Embii told reporters following the Sixers win over Houston on January 15. The 65-game rule was implemented as the NBA looked to curb the amount of big-game talent missing games due to “load management”. As part of continued efforts to tackle load management, the league recently released a report indicating that the practice did not actually lower the likelihood of long-term injuries.
In an exciting development for basketball gaming enthusiasts, 2K has revealed the fourth NBA 2K24 player ratings update to kick off the new year. Timed with the ongoing selection process for the 2024 All-Star Game roster, this update highlights notable increases for key players such as Luka Dončić, Kawhi Leonard, Trae Young, and more.
Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks sees a noteworthy bump to 97 OVR (+1), positioning himself strongly for a potential fifth All-Star selection. His stellar season averages of 33.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game attest to his elite performance.
Kawhi Leonard, the dynamic forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, earns a boost to 92 OVR (+1). His impactful contributions have propelled the Clippers to a top-four seed, averaging 21 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over the last two weeks.
Additional updates feature Trae Young (90 OVR, +1), Jalen Brunson (90 OVR, +1), Paul George (89 OVR, +1), and more. For the complete list of NBA 2K24 player rating updates, enthusiasts can explore the details here.
In a remarkable display of skill and precision, Jalen Brunson achieved a career-high 50 points, leading the New York team to victory against Phoenix.
Notably, Brunson’s exceptional performance included a perfect 9-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, making him the first player in the 3-point era (since 1979-80) to achieve 50+ points while shooting 100% from 3 on 8+ attempts. Adding to his impressive stats, Brunson contributed nine assists, six rebounds, and a career-high five steals. This feat placed him in elite company, joining the ranks of NBA legends Michael Jordan and Rick Barry as the only players in history with 50+ points, 9+ assists, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in a single game.
Furthermore, Brunson became the third player in NBA history to shoot 9-of-9 or better from 3, sharing this distinction with Ben Gordon and former Knick Latrell Sprewell. The victory showcased the collective effort of the New York team, with Julius Randle and RJ Barrett combining for 44 points to secure a memorable win.
Jalen Marquis Brunson, a name that has been echoing in the corridors of the NBA since 2018, has been making waves with his impeccable skills and dedication to the game. Born on August 31, 1996, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Jalen’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. As of 2023, his net worth stands at an impressive $1.5 million, according to WealthyGorilla.
Jalen’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. Born to Sandra and Rick Brunson, he had basketball in his genes. His father, Rick, played nine seasons with the NBA. The family moved multiple times before finally settling in Lincolnshire, Illinois. It was here that Jalen began showcasing his talent at Stevenson High School.
His prowess on the court led him to be ranked as a five-star recruit by the time he graduated. While numerous schools vying for him, Jalen chose Villanova University. His time with the Villanova Wildcats was marked with numerous accolades, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the John R. Wooden Award, and the Bob Cousy Award.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 21: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks drives into Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
In 2018, the Dallas Mavericks selected Jalen as their 33rd overall pick. His debut against the Phoenix Suns was a testament to his potential. During his time in the league, he has consistently improved his game, earning recognition and awards along the way. In 2022, a significant shift occurred when Jalen was traded to the New York Knicks. This move came with a whopping $104 million four-year contract, solidifying his position as one of the NBA’s rising stars.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 06: Jalen Brunson #11 of the 2023 USA Basketball Men’s National Team shoots at a practice session during the team’s training camp at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV as the team gets ready for the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup on August 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jalen’s journey in the NBA has been adorned with numerous awards and recognitions. From winning gold at the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championship to being named the FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP, his trophy cabinet is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His most recent accolades include being named the National College Player of the Year in 2018, as well as finishing fourth in voting for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2020.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Bam Adebayo #13 and Max Strus #31 of the Miami Heat defend in the fourth quarter during game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 111-105. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
While Jalen’s net worth in 2023 is estimated at $1.5 million, it’s essential to note that his earnings are on a steady rise. His current contract with the New York Knicks promises a bright financial future. From 2018 to 2021, while with the Dallas Mavericks, his average annual salary was $1.5 million. With the New York Knicks, his annual salary for the 2022-23 season is a staggering $27.7 million. Given his current trajectory, it won’t be long before Jalen joins the ranks of the NBA’s wealthiest players.
Ali Marks and Jalen Brunson at Covenant House’s A Night of Covenant House Stars Annual Gala held at The Rooftop Pavilion and Terrace at the Javits Center on May 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Variety via Getty Images)
Beyond the court, Jalen is engaged to his girlfriend, Ali Marks. He is also an active supporter of causes like Operation Warm and Covenant House. Through his official website, Jalen keeps fans updated about his career and the charities he supports. He also runs a scholarship for Stevenson High School, allowing fans to contribute to the future of budding athletes.
Jalen Brunson’s journey in the NBA is a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion. With a net worth of $1.5 million in 2023 and a promising career ahead, the sky is the limit for this young star. As fans and basketball enthusiasts, we can only wait and watch as Jalen continues to dazzle us with his skills and commitment to the game.
The New York Knicks earned a hard-fought game-one victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The matchup between the teams may have been the most exciting game of the first playoff weekend. The Knicks were led by an unstoppable performance from guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson finished the game with 27 points. Also, Brunson was nearly unstoppable in the second half. Now the Cavaliers are back to the drawing board. The team is hoping to split victories with the Knicks in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers know what they have to do to tie the series. However, Issac Okoro would like for officials to watch Brunson closely. Okoro believes Brunson uses in-game antics to get more favorable calls than other players. When speaking with the media on Monday, here’s what Okoro had to say, “Nodding your head back, falling on the ground when not a lot of physicality is used on you.” It’s interesting to hear Okoro’s comments on the Knicks star.
New York Knicks Looking For 2-0 Lead
Isaac Okoro says Jalen Brunson has “antics” on the court that allow him to draw fouls: “Nodding your head back, falling on the ground when not a lot of physicality is used on you”
He adds that he speaks with referees in an attempt to make them aware of Brunson’s “antics” pic.twitter.com/xwXMsNGOdn
It has yet to be determined if the officials will take a closer look at how Brunson plays. However, normally a comment like this will catch the official’s attention. Although we probably won’t know for sure until Game 2 on Tuesday. The Cavaliers will be looking up from a big hole if they lose on Tuesday. Giving the Knicks a 2-0 lead heading back to Madison Square Garden would be less than ideal. Both fanbases have been starving for playoff success. This series victory will make or break one fanbase.
Seemingly every player in the NBA tries to get away with as much as possible. Flopping has become such an issue that the league now fines players for doing it. However, it will be interesting to see how the league handles this accusation toward Brunson. One thing is for certain. Okoro’s comments may add more fuel to the Cavaliers-Knicks fire. Do you believe Okoro’s comments are true about Brunson’s style of play? Will we finally see the New York Knicks make the second round of the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts on the series in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
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