SUMMARY
- Jalen Brunson has led the Knicks to a 2-0 start in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pacers.
- The Knicks are severely under-manned due to injuries.
The New York Knicks handed over the Indiana Pacers a major upset in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Initially, the Knicks took a major beating after Jalen Brunson injured his foot in the first half. Brunson was taken out of the game with more promise of return. Impressively, all the Knicks had to do was give him some rest before he eventually made it out for the second half.
While Brunson was away, OG Anunoby took a fiery leap into scoring and finished with 28 points in 28 minutes. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old was ruled out after the third quarter. By then, Brunson had already returned and he tallied 24 of his 29 points in the game during the second half. Putting aside Game 2, his form in the playoffs has been phenomenal. Brunson matched one of Michael Jordan’s playoff scoring records as well. So, is he really the best player left in the playoffs?
The Knicks are under-manned but still winning
The Knicks were seriously crippled during the regular season after Julius Randle had a season-ending shoulder injury. Unfortunately, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic also entered the injury lineup while the Knicks took on their post-season run. Considering that Anunoby is dealing with hamstring soreness, it is very likely that he will miss Game 3 for precautionary reasons.
Jalen Brunson dropped 24 of his 29 PTS in the 2nd half to lead the @nyknicks to the huge Game 2 victory!
29 PTS | 5 AST | 3 STL | 3 3PM | 61.1 FG%
Knicks take a 2-0 series lead 🗽 pic.twitter.com/6J2vp4yqD8
— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2024
Even with OG in the lineup, Jalen Brunson was the only star on the roster providing consistent numbers. When you take the other remaining playoff teams into consideration, each team has at least two superstars on the roster paired alongside elite veterans. The Pacers have a former champion in Pascal Siakam who is assisted by Tyrese Haliburton. The Boston Celtics have a Big 3 while the Cleveland Cavaliers have Donovan Mitchell and role players who are currently in their prime.
Looking into the Western Conference, besides the defending champions, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a Big 3 as well. Oklahoma City Thunder has Chet Holmgren along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Dallas Mavericks have Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Brunson is currently playing alongside individuals who weren’t necessarily a second or even a third option of their previous teams or on the Knicks roster.
Jalen Brunson is averaging better stats than Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are both undefeated in the playoffs this season. Both their teams swept their first-round opponents as well. However, as mentioned earlier, they have a group of highly skilled individuals behind them. Jalen Brunson has been more or less doing things single-handedly averaging 35.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. He shoots 45.7% from the field, 32.1% from deep, and 80.7% from the free throw line.
Edwards and SGA are the best guards left in the playoffs besides Brunson. Shai has been averaging only 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while being comparatively better on defense. Edwards averages 32.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Brunson’s shooting splits come off of more attempts than the other two. However, Edwards is the only person who shoots comparatively consistently from deep. Brunson’s numbers may differ in various aspects but his overall impact on an under-manned team is what makes him better than the rest.