Turns out, Gregg Popovich had good motive to fret about Jalen Brunson.
The legendary Spurs coach relayed his considerations concerning the Knicks level guard’s prowess earlier than Wednesday’s recreation, then watched helplessly as Brunson torched Popovich’s Spurs with a career-high 38 factors.
Brunson’s particular efficiency included a pair of clutch jumpers within the closing two minutes, because the Knicks pulled away for his or her third straight victory, 117-114.
“He’s a heck of a player,” Popovich stated. “He was always a nemesis in Dallas, and now he is in New York. He’s got it all, he’s got the skill, he’s got the toughness, he’s got the basketball IQ to go with it. He’s just a hell of a competitor.”
The younger and rebuilding Spurs (12-26) flubbed their closing two possessions — each with alternatives to tie — with a five-second violation off an inbounds, after which a shot-clock violation on the closing buzzer. So the Knicks (21-18) escaped with a revenge win at MSG, lower than per week after they fell to the Spurs in San Antonio.
Brunson was injured for that first matchup, and Popovich wished his gamers conscious of his influence.
“I want them to recognize Brunson will be on the floor tonight. He wasn’t there last time,” Popovich stated. “He’s a monster. He’s got a such a toughness about him. High basketball IQ, hard to guard. He really really tests your discipline, gets you jumping off your feet. For a little guy, he has great pivot that he uses oftentimes in the paint, that sort of thing. But he’s also unselfish. So concentrating on him is pretty important.”
The message wasn’t efficient. Brunson scored 13 factors within the first quarter because the Knicks took a fast 13-point lead. The Spurs rebounded within the second quarter — principally with Brunson on the bench to relaxation — however nonetheless trailed at halftime to the Knicks, 62-55.
Brunson’s closing tally of 38 was 4 factors larger than his earlier regular-season greatest. He shot 17-for-27 with six assists.
“Whatever it takes to win,” Brunson stated. “I could have 38 or I could have three points. If we win that’s all I really care about. That’s my goal, my mindset and it’s the mindset of this team that we’ve got to keep it going. It does feel good with a win. Just whatever it takes.”
Popovich was additionally frightened about Julius Randle, who struggled along with his shot on 9-of-26 from the sphere however nonetheless collected 13 rebounds and 4 blocks — together with a powerful chasedown rejection of Josh Richardson within the first quarter.
“Just playing hard,” Randle stated. “I was garbage [Wednesday night] so I had to do something.”
The Knicks carried a totally wholesome roster however with caveats: Obi Toppin and Derrick Rose, who returned from accidents, weren’t anticipated to play as a result of they’re nonetheless recovering. Both picked up DNPs.
The rebuilding Spurs have been led by Keldon Johnson’s 26 factors. However, Johnson couldn’t crack Quentin Grimes’ protection on the ultimate possession and didn’t get off a possible tying shot earlier than the buzzer. Before that — with a two-point deficit and 5.7 seconds left — Spurs rookie Jeremy Sochan didn’t get his inbounds go out and dedicated the five-second violation.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com