Jalen Brunson scores 50 points as Knicks beat Suns 139-122

Jalen Brunson (Google Images)

Jalen Brunson of New Brunswick, New Jersey became the fifth player in the National Basketball Association this season to score a minimum of 50 points in a game on Friday. He accomplished the feat in a 139-122 Knicks win over the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Brunson scored exactly 50 points. He made 17 of 23 field goals, nine of nine three point attempts, and seven of nine free throws. Brunson also had nine assists, six rebounds, and five steals, to go along with a +7.

The Knicks bench deserved high praise in the game. Josh Hart of Silver Spring, Maryland was a +34, center and power forward Isaiah Hartenstein of Eugene, Oregon was a +29, and guard Immanuel Quickley of Havre de Grace, Maryland was a +28.

The other four NBA players to score 50 points in a game this season have been Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers. Antetokounmpo has accomplished the feat twice, including one game where he scored 64 points.

In 2023-24, Brunson is averaging 25.5 points per game, 5.9 assists per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 1.2 steals per game. He has a field goal percentage of .475, three point percentage of .458, and a free throw percentage of .794.

After a 144-122 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, the Knicks are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 14 wins and 11 losses, with a winning percentage of .560. The Knicks have been much better at Madison Square Garden where they have won seven of 10 games, compared to on the road, where they have won seven of 15 games.