Early in ESPN’s broadcast of the New York Knicks–Golden State Warriors game Monday night a debate broke out over Jalen Brunson’s place among the NBA’s elite. Using a quote from Kings coach Mike Brown, who after Brunson torched Sacramento for 42 points on 61% shooting Saturday noted that the Sacramento Kings blitzed Brunson more than any player other than Stephen Curry, the question was asked: Is Brunson on Curry’s level?
The answer, frankly, doesn’t matter. That there’s even a comparison is praise enough. Brunson validated the early game banter, torching the Warriors for 34 points. It was Brunson’s third straight game scoring 34 or more points. He is averaging 40.3 points per game on this current road trip, connecting on 51.7% of his shots.
“You almost come to expect [it],” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “It’s every night and it’s big play after big play. Every time we need a big bucket he comes up with it.”
