As the New York Knicks exit the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, they take away the crown for Jalen Brunson. Domantas Sabonis posted a huge 21-point and 14-rebound double-double as De’Aaron Fox neared the same with 20 points and 9 assists. However, Jalen Brunson stole the show, erupting for 42 points while shooting 60% from the floor as the Knicks came away victorious on the road. Despite his performance, the 27-year-old All-Star decided to stay humble.

When adding to Brunson’s 45 points in Portland on Thursday, it pits him in exclusive light amongst New York’s finest. Jalen is now the fourth player in franchise history to log in consecutive 40-point games. The 3 other players to achieve a similar feat are Bernard King, Patrick Ewing, and Carmelo Anthony.

While talking about his latest achievement, Brunson refrained from displaying emotions, calmly citing himself as “grateful” and “honored” in light of the players that came before him. Even when inspected for over-the-top emotion, Jalen humbly said, “I have my moments.”

The game outlined the Knicks’ ability to do the nitty-gritty, especially when playing teams away from MSG. Moreover, it also highlights the endurance of their top-10 defense in the league, restricting the offense-heavy Kings to just 91 points. While Jalen Brunson is slowly climbing the ranks in NY’s basketball legacy, the 6’2 guard still has plenty of records to fathom.

Jalen Brunson has a long way to go 

For context, Bernard King achieved consecutive 40 point games 4 times with the Knicks, while Melo and Ewing notched the same twice. King’s last such feat came in the 1984-85 season, during the Christmas Day Game. Playing the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets, King scored 43 and 60 points, respectively. Moreover, Bernard also posted three 40-point games in a span of just 4 days (November 21 – November 24, 1984), scoring 40, 45, and 52 points.

For Ewing, the two such stretches came during the 1989-90 season. In February 1990, the center posted back-to-back 40-point double-doubles, recording 41 points and 11 rebounds against the Cleveland Cavaliers and 41 and 14 against the Bullets. In the next month, Ewing gave the Boston Celtics and the Bullets 51 and 41 points respectively (nearly 66% shooting from the floor combined).

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially

April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT

LeBron James Raids Wife Savannah’s Wardrobe For Game 4 Win, Leaving 35YO Stylist “Weak”

April 28, 2024 07:16 PM EDT

Nike EYBL: Emotional Kiyan Anthony Talks About Father Carmelo While Bryce James Hails 17YO Brodie

April 28, 2024 04:08 PM EDT

“That Was Too Much”: LeBron Gave Bryce James a Tough Pill to Swallow 1 Week Before His Nike EYBL Game

April 29, 2024 02:32 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Carmelo Anthony’s first consecutive games with 40 points came in 2013. Taking over the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat, Melo shot 61% from the field for 40 and 41 points. His second such stint came in 2014, playing against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic. The sniper shot 56% from field 42 and 44 points, respectively.

Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Receives MVP Chants 3000 Miles Away From New York

Brunson’s surge undoubtedly makes him one of the most effective players in the modern NBA. Unlike the three Knicks legends who he joined tonight, Brunson is not known as a scorer. So this feat is more impressive considering he is a point guard averaging 6.5 assists a game this year. Despite the fast-paced offense, however, Brunson has plenty of miles left before marking himself a Knick icon; a high conference seed in the last two years is just a start.