In Thursday’s NBA action, Jalen Brunson‘s exceptional 45-point performance led the New York Knicks to a 105-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, enhancing their playoff prospects in the Eastern Conference.
“What can you say, it’s unbelievable just to watch it, and you know he ended up with 17 free throws and I thought there could be a lot more,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’s just clever, he’s shifty and he does everything.”
With this win, the Knicks have triumphed in four of their last six games, thanks to contributions from Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby, who added 12 points each.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Deandre Ayton stood out for the Blazers with 31 points and 14 rebounds, yet Portland’s rally fell short in the fourth quarter. The Blazers faced the challenge without key players Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant, sidelined due to injury.
“I’ve just got to keep my mentality and my mind straight, and that’s the one thing I can control,” Brunson said.
Anunoby’s participation was noteworthy, especially after a brief scare with his elbow, showing the Knicks’ depth and resilience.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Before the game, Thibodeau extended condolences for the loss of RJ Barrett‘s younger brother, Nathan, adding a somber note to the evening.
The Knicks’ second-quarter surge set the tone for the game, establishing a lead that they would not relinquish. Brunson’s scoring prowess, especially noted with “MVP!” chants from Knicks fans, underscored the team’s commanding performance.
“I thought we did a good job in the first quarter in matching their physicality, knowing how we were going to play. Thought we just had a good quarter,” Billups said. “Then we had a tough second quarter, couldn’t make a shot. Turnovers really hurt us.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Looking forward, the Knicks aim to continue their momentum against the Sacramento Kings, while the Trail Blazers seek to regroup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Both matches are slated for Saturday night.
