Knicks' Jalen Brunson has his Willis Reed moment with legacy game after ankle injury
Jalen Brunson delivered a remarkable performance for the New York Knicks, reminiscent of Willis Reed's legendary moment, by playing through ankle pain to secure a crucial playoff victory against the Detroit Pistons. Despite missing a month of the season due to an ankle injury and appearing in visible discomfort on the bench, Brunson re-entered the game in the fourth quarter, determined not to let the Knicks lose. He scored 16 points and assisted on two 3-pointers during the final 10 minutes, contributing significantly to a 30-19 run that overturned a 10-point deficit. Brunson finished with 32 points and 11 assists, marking his fifth playoff game with a 30-10 performance, an achievement matched by only three other games in the franchise's history. This performance solidified his status as New York's all-time playoff leader and demonstrated his crucial role in the team's momentum-seizing victory.
Jalen Brunson was initially on the sidelines in pain during a critical playoff game against the Detroit Pistons, holding his right ankle, which had already caused him to miss a month of the season.
When Brunson returned to the game early in the fourth quarter, the Pistons were leading by 10 points, but his presence shifted the momentum significantly in favor of the Knicks.
Brunson scored 16 points and assisted on two 3-pointers during the final 10 minutes, contributing to a decisive 30-19 run that led the Knicks to victory.
Despite his visible struggle with ankle pain, he managed an impressive sidestep 3-pointer, showcasing his resilience and skill under pressure.
His final performance included 32 points and 11 assists, marking his fifth playoff game with at least 30 points and 10 assists, a record surpassed by only three other games in Knicks history.
Brunson's contribution in this game reinforced his reputation as New York's leading playoff performer and underlined his importance as the team's point guard and leader.
The victory was crucial for the Knicks, with Brunson's exceptional quarter playing a pivotal role in securing a momentum-shifting win in the series.
The Knicks' season appeared to be crumbling.
There was Jalen Brunson, seated in pain on the floor near the sideline in Detroit. He was holding his right ankle, after having already missed a month of the season with an ankle injury.
The Pistons looked like they might be on their way to a series-tying victory.
Instead, Brunson returned to the Knicks' bench at the start of the fourth quarter, came back in the game at the 10:14 mark, and refused to let New York lose.
"This was a pretty intense game, and I don't know how, but I'm happy we won," Brunson told ESPN.
To compare anyone to the place Willis Reed holds in the NBA's collective consciousness is bold.
But really, Brunson's night might've been better. Reed hit a couple shots in that famous NBA Finals night before being largely ineffective.
Brunson ran the show the whole fourth quarter. He scored 16 points in the game's final 10:14 while also assisting on a pair of 3-pointers. That's 22 points contributed to as part of a 30-19 Knicks run to end the game.
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When he left the game, the Pistons led by four. By the time Brunson returned, Detroit was up 74-64. Then the lefty superstar took over.
Brunson's 16 points in the final 10:14 didn't appear to be without pain. After multiple of his tough finishes in the lane, he could be soon struggling to catch his balance on the shaky limb.
He even hit an extremely difficult sidestep 3-pointer from the right wing, a shot that definitely depends on some sturdy ankles.
BRUNSON SIDE-STEP 3 FOR 30.
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
CADE MIDDY FOR 25.
All-Star point guards going at it in postseason basketball 🔥💥
DET leads by 4 with 3 minutes to play on ABC! pic.twitter.com/32NgR8IHNo
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Brunson's final line: 32 points and 11 assists.
It's his fifth career playoff game with 30-10 for the Knicks. There have been only three such games in the rest of the franchise's entire history.
Brunson is New York's all-time playoff performer, its leader, its point guard.
And when called upon Sunday, Brunson didn't sit out. He came back in the game, played one of the best quarters of his career and sent the Knicks on their way to a massive, momentum-seizing victory.
MORE: How Jalen Brunson and his Knicks assistant coach father make it work