Knicks Ground Rockets in Brunson's 30-Point Return

Jalen Brunson's return to the New York Knicks lineup helped get them back into the win column against the reeling Houston Rockets.

Don't know what you've got until it's gone. Fortunately for the New York Knicks, it's back.

Jalen Brunson returned to the Knicks' lineup after two games off due to a calf injury on Wednesday night and dragged New York out of another offensive challenge in a 109-94 victory over the Houston Rockets. New York (24-17) ended the first half of the 2023-24 season on a high note, taking its eighth consecutive victory over the Rockets. 

Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS

Brunson's late second half surge helped the Knicks pull away from Houston, as his 30-point outing marked his fourth over his last six appearances. Julius Randle joined him with a team-best 31, helping New York turn a two-point halftime lead into an insurmountable advantage by the end. The Knicks' headliners lived up to their reputation over the latter 24 minutes, scoring 37 of the team's 51 second half points.

It proved to be a very happy 66th birthday for head coach Tom Thibodeau, who played witness to franchise history: Wednesday marked Randle's 68th game with at least 30 points in a Knicks uniform, placing him fifth in franchise history and passing the late Willis Reed.

The reeling Rockets (19-21) kept pace with the Knicks in the early going: much like New York's Monday defeat to Orlando, Wednesday's match had the makings of a defensive showdown, as each side shot less than 40 percent in the opening half. Knicks beyond Brunson and Randle were a mere 7-of-23 and they lost nine turnovers over the opening dozens, preventing a halftime lead from expanding beyond two at 48-46.

Consecutive triples from OG Anunoby (who also earned four steals) in the opening stages of the third quarter more or less permanently shifted momentum, as Houston was forced to take an early timeout just over three minutes in. The Knicks proved relentless, as a three from Randle provided a double-figure margin that remained relatively constant over the rest of the game. Houston did manage to slice the lead to eight before the final frame began but finishing touches from Brunson and Randle stretched the lead to as high as 17 and allowed New York to empty its bench.

Wednesday served as a relatively merciful end to the Rockets' recent Eastern swing, which saw them drop five of six and fall out of the Western Conference's top 10. The Rockets were paced by double-doubles from Fred VanFleet (24 points, 12 assists) and Alperin Sengun (18 points, 10 rebounds).

Elsewhere on the New York box score, Quentin Grimes (11) and Josh Hart (10) each earned double-figures in scoring while the latter pulled in 14 rebounds, five of the offensive variety. Hart had previously been listed as questionable for Wednesday's game due to a knee injury.

The Knicks will have a chance to extend their winning streak against the Rockets when they head south next month.

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In the meantime, New York wastes no time returning to action as the Washington Wizards visit Madison Square Garden on Thursday night (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).