Knicks’ Dominance: A Look at Jalen Brunson’s Breakout
The New York Knicks showcased what they could become with commanding victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday. Jalen Brunson had easily his best game of the year draining his first five threes on his way to a 36 point night. Brunson was toying with Detroit, bombing from distance, blowing by defenders to leverage his new life with a constantly open lane and unleashing his clinical midrange game the few times it was called for
Jalen Brunson In The Pick And Roll
Brunson’s performance was not just about scoring; it was about how he orchestrated the offense. The Knicks’ pick-and-roll game was nearly flawless. The Knicks’ ability to space the floor with shooters has been crucial has opened up an aspect of Brunson’s game that was largely untested as a Knick excluding a short period last year when Precious Achiuwa manned the 5. With three shooters (if we’re being generous with Josh Hart) defenses are put in a bind where they have to send a third defender and leave someone open, let Brunson go one on one with a defender chasing (a recipe for disaster as poor Malik Beasley found out after getting out in Brunson Booty Jail) or show with the big without sending help and risk giving up a lob.
Another sign of health for the offense is their three point volume. After ranking last in the league for three-point attempts in their first few games, they have significantly ramped up their shooting taking a combined 78 attempts from deep their last two outings. This shift has been pivotal in wins over the Heat and Pistons and particularly encouraging is KAT getting in on the fun firing up a season high six treys in just 27 minutes against Detroit.
Future Outlook
The Knicks’ starting lineup has been a force, outscoring opponents by 20 points per 100 possessions, the second best mark of any five man group that has played at least 50 minutes on the young season.
That number will be tested tonight against a spry Houton Rockets fresh off a near upset of the Warriors and boasting top 11 offensive and defensive ratings. Houston’s still figuring out their identity sitting arguably their best player in Alperen Sengun the entire fourth quarter and overtime period against the Warriors and excelled with a small ball lineup that highlighted the talents of their young wings. Should be a fun challenge tonight.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Karl Anthony Towns’ role and impact on the Knicks’ offense
- The Knicks’ defensive strategies and key players
- Upcoming challenges against the Houston Rockets and other teams
