NEW YORK, NY – Jalen Brunson’s exceptional performance, including 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, propelled the New York Knicks to a narrow 113-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. Brunson, demonstrating his ability to create scoring opportunities, was pivotal in the Knicks’ win, especially during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter.
Brunson’s 18 points during a key segment of the final quarter helped the Knicks extend their lead, showcasing his knack for navigating through tight defense and consistently making impactful plays. Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. acknowledged Brunson’s challenging style, citing his shiftiness and ability to frustrate defenders.
Donte DiVincenzo, Brunson’s former teammate at Villanova and now with the Knicks, praised Brunson’s ability to make the right plays under pressure. Brunson’s efficiency was evident as he finished 14 for 27 from the field, scoring at least 30 points for the second consecutive night after returning from a two-game absence.
Julius Randle contributed 21 points for the Knicks, while DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby each added 19. The Knicks have shown significant improvement since Anunoby joined the lineup, moving to an 8-2 record since his acquisition from Toronto on January 1.
The Wizards, despite a strong effort, fell short in the end. Jordan Poole led their scoring with 24 points, and Marvin Bagley III, in his first start for Washington, added a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Deni Avdija and Kyle Kuzma each scored 15 points for the Wizards.
With the absence of center Daniel Gafford due to a concussion, Bagley stepped into the starting lineup following his arrival in a trade involving Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala. The Knicks, dealing with their own roster adjustments, missed key reserve Josh Hart and experimented with Evan Fournier’s return to the rotation.
The Knicks’ victory, driven by Brunson’s standout performance, underscores their resilience and capability to close out tight games. Looking ahead, the Knicks host Toronto on Saturday in a highly anticipated matchup, marking the return of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Madison Square Garden since their trade.
The Wizards, aiming to bounce back from the loss, will host San Antonio on the same night. Both teams will be looking to build on their recent performances as they continue their respective campaigns in the NBA season.
