For a long time New York Knicks They were seen as a team that always disappointed. Bad decisions, questionable moves and the lack of patience of its executives have determined the course of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. A couple of seasons ago, things started to change. He tandem designed by Tom Thibodeau and Jaylen Brunson it has proven to be the right thing to change its course Knicksso much so that in this 2023-2024 they could easily be considered as the most dangerous opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Proof of that was his win last night Friday through Saturday, December 16 vs. Phoenix Suns (139 to 122), where Jalen Brunson made New York Knicks history with a perfect game. A duel where the point guard went to 50 points on a 17-of-23 field goal streak (73.9%) including 9 of 9 from the triple, adding 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals. A stat line that made him the first player in history to surpass 50 goals without fail from long range with such a volume, as well as first Knicks member since Walter Frazier (1973 and 1977) connected with more than 40 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.
Knicks players in a game with +40 points, +4 rebounds, +5 assists and +5 steals
1. Walter Frazier, 1973
2. Walter Frazier, 1977
3. JALEN BRUNSON, todaypic.twitter.com/byKSL4EBEB— Sergio Rabinal (@S_Rabinal) December 16, 2023
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The Suns tried every means to prevent the star from lighting up, but neither strategy worked. The double points were settled through the pass and the box and 1 beating his marker after the bounce. Nothing could stop Branson who is the spearhead of a team with the resources to take on almost any opponent.
The Knicks’ progression since Thibodeau arrived has been steady, sometimes slower than expected, but always upward. If in the past the New Yorkers blamed for a problem of lack of offensive liquidity, Currently one of the top 10 teams in efficiency (116.2)one of those who shoot the most triples and 8th in success rate (37.7%).
Jalen Brunson GONE for a new career high 50 points (35 in 2H) as he leads the Knicks to a W in Phoenix!
🔥 50 points
🔥 17/23 FGM (12/12 FGM in 2H)
🔥 9/9 3 p.mBecomes 1st player since 1979-1980 to score 50+ PTS while shooting 100% from 3-PT (min. 8 attempts). pic.twitter.com/yHjEAqa9rH
—NBA (@NBA) December 16, 2023
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All of this translates to the Big Apple franchise knowing how to respond to difficult times or important opponents.
Small adjustments, reinforcements and the evolution of their fundamentals go a long way to explaining why these Knicks have established themselves among the Eastern Conference’s elite. A contender capable of proposing different scenarios in terms of play and lineups to adapt to the opposition.
Although none of the above would have been possible without Branson’s development. A player who has built up enough confidence over the years to not only be the Knicks’ best point guard in 20 years, but also their best scorer since Carmelo Anthony. The individual leap he’s made since arriving in the franchise has been remarkable, but there’s little mention of how he settled into his second season in Madison. Although their numbers have barely changed by a few tenths, that change is more than enough to make a difference. Branson has dropped 46% from three with averages of 25.6 points and 5.8 assists.
If the New York star managed to extend and maintain these figures, he would the first to achieve this in the entire history of the NBA. Even if he dropped to 40% on 3-pointers, he would still be one of the first, joining the likes of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving or Damian Lillard.
At a time when the Eastern Conference seems to be hurting, with many teams looking for consistency and identity, the New York Knicks seem to have established themselves as one of the franchises to watch out for. If they make the playoffs healthy Tom Thibodeau They are called to be an opponent to avoid in a seven-game series, especially with Branson at this level.
