"But anybody shoots 34 shots...they're gonna be able to do well" - Kelly Oubre Jr. downplays Jalen Brunson's 47-point performance
Jalen Brunson has been superb for the New York Knicks all season long, but he struggled early in the first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Jalen shot a combined 16-for-55 in the first two games, but he has pulled it back and has elevated his game, especially in Game 4.
In a pivotal Game 4, Brunson scored 47 points and dished out ten assists to lead the Knicks to a fantastic 97-92 win. This superb result helped NY take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Despite the fantastic performance, Sixers wing Kelly Oubre Jr. was not the most impressed with JB's performance because he took 34 shots to get there.
“34 shots. I mean, yeah, he's a great player, I love playing against him, I love his game, he has a lot of fundamentals and skill set to his game,” Oubre said in the post-game presser. “But anybody shoots 34 shots that has skill and is a great player, they're gonna be able to do well. And especially against screens, getting mismatches, and trying to find the right matchups and things like that… It was due to happen obviously, JB is a great player.”
Brunson was dominant in almost every area
While JB put up 34 shots, he affected the game in other areas. It was the type of performance that could make someone like Stephon Marbury say Jalen is an MVP candidate.
The franchise point guard was the best playmaker on the Knicks, getting ten assists by making the right passes to his teammates. OG Anunoby, in particular, benefited from his dimes, scoring six out of his 16 points from Brunson’s assists.
Jalen also had a strong game by drawing calls, as Kyle Lowry and Oubre each had five personal fouls. They had to adjust defensively to avoid contact, and fouling out would have spelled the end for Philly.
Brunson’s teammates appreciated how much he carried them, as most of the team could not buy a shot. Josh Hart, in particular, was displeased with how he performed on offense, especially from the free-throw line.
“We needed it. His starting small forward, power forward, whatever the hell I am, ain’t make a shot. I was like Shaq at the free throw line, so we needed it,” Hart said after the game.
The traveling Knicks fans inspired Brunson
The New York vs. Philadelphia series has brought out some of the most passionate fans across both cities. However, the Knicks fan base has been loud and supportive of their team, as they have traveled to Philly to support their squad.
That has not gone unnoticed because Brunson fed off the energy Knicks fans gave him. It was a fantastic turnout for the New York supporters because they inspired the team and helped them get the crucial win.
“They’re for real. No matter where we are, they’re gonna be there. So I’m appreciative, and a lot of situations (this season) wouldn’t be done without them,” Jalen said in his post-Game four presser.
Game 5 will be back at Madison Square Garden, the perfect place to end the series. It would be a second consecutive semifinal berth for the Knicks, but they are not getting ahead of themselves. They know that Joel Embiid's 76ers can' be written of just like that.
