Jalen Brunson’s career-high in assists leads…
DENVER — Jalen Brunson has performed 440 NBA video games, and 162 for the Knicks, however this was the best dishing evening of his profession.
The All-Star level guard recorded a career-high 17 assists to help the Knicks tie a franchise document with 45 in Monday’s 145-118 win over the Nuggets.
“For me it’s great to have that career high, but it’s a credit to [my teammates],” mentioned Brunson, who additionally scored 23 factors. “Everyone in this locker room works really hard. They put a lot into their game. I mean, literally, without them that wouldn’t be possible.”
When knowledgeable that former Villanova teammate and podcast co-host Josh Hart mentioned the 17-assist evening was “probably [something] you’ll never see again,” Brunson retorted, “Yeah, Josh is funny. I would have had more if I didn’t pass him the ball.”
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, proper, seems to be to move the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook defends in the second half of an NBA basketball recreation Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Denver. AP
Brunson turned the primary Knick since Nate Robinson in 2008-09 to post no less than 20 factors and 15 assists in the identical recreation.
“I thought Jalen had an unbelievable floor game,” Tom Thibodeau mentioned.
Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson accompanied the Knicks on the five-game street journey, and the primary of these two injured huge males seems to be closing in on a return to the lineup.
Achiuwa, who has been sidelined since struggling a hamstring damage close to the top of the preseason, has been cleared for contact and will quickly make his season debut, though it nonetheless isn’t prone to be on the journey that concludes with stops in Dallas (Wednesday) and Charlotte (Friday).
“Precious is doing pretty much everything now,” Thibodeau mentioned earlier than the sport. “He’s gotten some contact. He’s on the subsequent step. He’s getting close.
Precious Achiuwa #5 of the New York Knicks watches his crew compete in opposition to the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Ball Arena on November 25, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images
Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks arrives to the world earlier than the sport in opposition to the Denver Nuggets on November 25, 2024. NBAE by way of Getty Images
“And Mitch, obviously, just having him around, he hasn’t been cleared really to do anything other than the rehab part of it. But it’s good to see he’s progressing well, also. He’s not as close as Precious is, but we’re very encouraged with both guys.”
Robinson is anticipated to be out till no less than December or January after present process surgical procedure on his left ankle in May.
Asked if he believes Achiuwa will play on the street journey, Thibodeau added, “Nah. He’s not quite there yet. We just want to be patient. We don’t want this thing to be recurring. Let him get through it and when he’s ready, he’s ready.”
Miles McBride returned to the lineup after lacking 5 video games with a knee subject and scored 13 factors in 27 minutes.
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