Jalen Brunson scored 39 points in just three quarters, propelling the New York Knicks closer to securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference after defeating the top-ranked Boston Celtics 118-109 in Boston.
Following their playoff qualification the previous day, the Knicks, now at 48-32, are just a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks, with both teams having two games left in the season.
Brunson, impressive with his shooting, went 15 for 23 from the field, including 6 of 11 from beyond the arc on Friday. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 17 points while Josh Hart added 16 points and 16 rebounds. Brunson remarked on the team’s performance, noting their effective plays and shooting.
The game saw New York take control in the second quarter with a decisive 22-3 run, ending the half ahead at 69-48. This surge was part of their strategy to use the game against the Celtics, who lead the Eastern Conference, as a benchmark for their own capabilities. Despite Boston’s top status, New York managed to dominate this encounter.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum scored 18 points, with Payton Pritchard coming off the bench to add 16. Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser each scored 15 points.
In other NBA action, the New Orleans Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson who both scored 31 points, defeated the Sacramento Kings 135-123. This victory completed a season sweep and improved the Pelicans’ position to avoid the play-in tournament as they currently hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing to their already secured play-in spot with a game-high 22 points. Lastly, the Utah Jazz ended a 13-game losing streak with a win over the Houston Rockets, and the Chicago Bulls pushed the Detroit Pistons to a record 67th loss of the season.
