Brunson’s 39 points power Knicks to gritty comeback win over Pelicans

Jalen Brunson delivered a masterclass performance, scoring 39 points to lead the New York Knicks to a hard-fought 104-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a tale of resilience for the Knicks, who overcame a 14-point third-quarter deficit to secure their third straight road win.

The Pelicans surged to a 45-32 lead midway through the second quarter, capitalizing on the Knicks’ early struggles. However, New York closed the gap with a 10-2 run, cutting the deficit to 47-42 before halftime.

The Pelicans opened the third quarter with their largest lead of the game at 62-48. However, Jalen Brunson flipped the script in spectacular fashion, exploding for 16 points in the quarter. He shot an efficient 6-8 from the field, including a blistering 4-5 from beyond the arc, sparking the Knicks’ comeback. His pivotal three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter gave the Knicks their first lead since the opening period, 74-72. From that point on, the Knicks dictated the game’s tempo.

“That’s Captain, that’s Cap. You know how I feel about him: one of the most talented players in this league, regardless of position. He went out there and did what he does best. He was fantastic.”

– Karl-Anthony Towns

New York’s defense took center stage in the fourth quarter. The Pelicans were held scoreless from the field for nearly five minutes, allowing the Knicks to extend their lead to 90-76. Supporting Brunson’s offensive brilliance, Mikal Bridges chipped in 18 points, OG Anunoby added 16, and Josh Hart contributed 14.

Karl-Anthony Towns struggled following his monster game in Minnesota, picking up three fouls early in the first half. Despite a quiet night with 11 points and 10 rebounds, Towns’ backup, Jericho Sims, stepped up defensively. Sims didn’t attempt a shot but provided energy with eight rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 13 minutes.

The game saw remarkable parity. Both teams led by as many as 14 points, scored 40 points in the paint, and posted 15 fast-break points. The Pelicans edged the Knicks on the boards 45-42, but New York’s slight shooting edge (43.7% FG, 15-37 3PT) proved decisive over New Orleans’ 41.0% FG and 12-34 3PT.

Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 26 points, while Dejounte Murray added 14 and CJ McCollum scored 13.

While not the prettiest win, it showcased the Knicks’ resilience and ability to grind out tough road victories. Now at 18-10, they’ve won all three games on this road trip and eight of their last 10, cementing their place among the top teams in the East.

Up-next: The Knicks (18-10) return to Madison Square Garden to host the Raptors (7-21) on Monday night from 7:30 pm ET