Knicks stun Suns 139-122 as Jalen Brunson explodes for 50-point career night

In a game that will be etched in Knicks history, Jalen Brunson delivered a career-defining performance, dropping an astonishing 50 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 139-122 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Brunson’s remarkable night included a perfect 9-of-9 from beyond the arc, joining Kyrie Irving as the only players in NBA history to achieve the feat of scoring 50 points without missing a three-pointer. Irving, in a historic game where he scored 57 points, made just seven three-pointers.

The Knicks guard was unstoppable in the second half, not missing a single field goal attempt. He scored 35 points, shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the field, including 8-of-8 from three-point range. Brunson’s impeccable shooting tied Latrell Sprewell‘s record of 9-of-9 from beyond the arc set in 2003 against the Clippers. Since then, only Ben Gordon managed this feat twice, in 2006 and 2012.

The way he shot the ball was special. We probably didn’t take enough 3s, but 17 for 29 — he’s nine for nine. I told him after the Utah game that I love the way he played in Utah because he didn’t hesitate. He kept shooting. Shoots his shots. He works on his game everyday. And he works on all his shots that he takes in a game.

– Tom Thobodeau

Julius Randle contributed 23 points, while RJ Barrett added 21, complementing Brunson’s offensive explosion.

Despite trailing 80-90 with just 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Knicks orchestrated a remarkable comeback, tying the game as they entered the fourth quarter. The final period belonged to the Knicks, outscoring the Suns 42-23 to secure the decisive victory.

On the Suns’ side, Kevin Durant led the scoring with 29 points, followed closely by Devin Booker, who recorded 28 points and 9 assists. Jusuf Nurkic contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds.

The Suns faced adversity early in the game, losing Bradley Beal in the first quarter after he landed on Donte DiVincenzo‘s foot following a made three-pointer. DiVincenzo was subsequently called for a Flagrant 1, as he was deemed not to have allowed Beal enough space to land safely.

Up-next: Knicks (14-10) will continue their west coast trip in LA against the Clippers (14-10) tonight from 10:30pm