Jalen Brunson reflects on late turnover in Game 6 at Heat, first season with Knicks
Where would the Knicks have been without Jalen Brunson in this series, especially in Game 6?
The 6-foot-2 guard played like a man possessed Friday as his 41 points nearly helped the Knicks beat the Miami Heat and force a Game 7. However, a late turnover by Brunson cost New York a chance to steal one in Miami.
With 16 seconds left and his team down two, Brunson had a chance to tie or give the Knicks a lead. After trailing for the entire second half, it was a gift that New York was in this position and there was no one better to handle the ball than Brunson.
However, Brunson drove to the hoop before he was doubled. He stopped and tried to pass it to a cutting Julius Randle under the basket, but the forward was guarded and the pass got intercepted.
“You have to give [Miami] a lot of credit. They didn’t play like an 8-seed at all. They’re unbelievable,” Brunson said. “I like the way we fought the last couple of games. Down two with the ball. I have to give us a chance to even get a shot attempt. Turnovers are unacceptable. It’s tough.”
A tough mistake shouldn’t overshadow a brilliant series for Brunson.
Entering Friday, Brunson averaged 29 points, nearly six rebounds and seven assists in the series against the Heat. Friday, he added the aforementioned 41 points along with four rebounds and three assists.
He scored 30-plus points for the third straight game. It’s the first time a Knicks player did that in the playoffs since Patrick Ewing in 1990. And he did all of that while playing massive minutes. He played 44 in the Knicks’ Game 4 loss, all 48 minutes in their Game 5 win and 45 on Friday.
“When you dig into it, he's one of the best players in the league,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said of Brunson’s postseason. “He shows that every night he goes out there. The Heat are a terrific defensive team and to be able to do what he’s doing is a credit to him and his teammates the way they work together. He’s young, he’s going to continue to get better.
“He was terrific last season in the playoffs. He was great this year. He’s always had that ability. He’s never satisfied, that’s what I respect out of him.”
When Brunson was asked to describe his postseason, he didn’t make it about him.
“We fell short,” Brunson said. “As a team we fell short.”
Brunson completed his first year with the Knicks after signing a four-year, $104 million deal in the offseason. With at least three more seasons to go, Brunson is happy being a Knick and is looking forward to the future.
“Really happy to be part of this organization. New York has been amazing. The fans have been amazing. It’s been a great experience for me and my family,” he said. “I’m already excited about next year. It’s going to be fun.
“There's a lot to prove to each other as teammates. This is a great year for us. Even when things are looking great you have to keep your confidence. Keep working on your game. Keep gaining confidence as a player and as teammates.”
