'Lucky' Jalen Brunson Shines For Knicks After Injury Scare

It's safe to say that Jalen Brunson is feeling a lot better after making vital contributions for the New York Knicks in Chicago.

When you've earned a $104 million contract, you've probably earned more than a few sick days to go with it.

That's far from how Jalen Brunson is navigating his first, highly-scrutinized year with the New York Knicks, one that has seen him live up to his nine-digit billing and then some. Through 29 games, Brunson has literally reached new heights, averaging career-bests in points (20.5) and assists (team-high 6.3). 

The former Dallas Maverick has been a clear difference-maker and catalyst in the Knicks' success, and he found the perfect stage to prove it this week: the latest stanzas of New York's six-game winning streak were staged in Chicago, where Brunson first introduced himself to the national basketball public at Stevenson High School. 

Brunson's new Prairie State stage was a tad bigger ... taking to the hardwood of United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls ... but he was equally electrifying, even if those who flocked to West Madison Street found rooting interests beyond the point guard. In the Knicks' de facto Windy City doubleheader, Brunson tallied 52 points, 13 assists, and four steals as New York (16-13) continued its winning streak and moved a season-best three games above .500.

“I like playing here a lot,” Brunson said after the latter victory, a 114-91 triumph on Friday night, per the New York Post. “It brings back memories.”

Each victory was punctuated by Brunson-based antics that made new mementos: the sealer of a 128-120 overtime win on Wednesday was a Brunson triple after his agility sent Chicago's Alex Caruso tumbling to the floor. More Christmas magic from deep saw Brunson set another personal summit, as his six triples were a single-game best.

JALEN BRUNSON DROPPED CARUSO 😮 pic.twitter.com/g7vAh3KIyK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 15, 2022

Asked for the secret behind his success from the outside, Brunson kept to the magician's code, claiming it was "just luck."

The idea of Brunson literally jumping into New York victories seemed absurd at the beginning of the week: Sunday's victory over Sacramento (the fourth win on the active six-game ledger) saw Brunson leave early, ending up on the wrong end of a scary defensive encounter with Davion Mitchell. 

Fans further panicked when photos from the Knicks' Christmas party appeared to depict Brunson in a walking boot. Considering Obi Toppin, already confirmed to be missing at least another week, had similar footwear, some feared the worst when it came to Brunson.

Listed as questionable for the initial descent upon Chicago, Brunson was more or less a game-time decision for the opener. But his availability was confirmed mere hours before tip-off and he took his usual spot in the starting five. Shooting 11-of-21 from the field and dishing out seven assists, Brunson reached 30 points for the first time since Nov. 27.

While a certain amount of nuance and thought likely went into the decision, Brunson himself felt that suiting up and taking on his usual workload was a no-brainer. 

“I take a lot of pride in that,” Brunson said of his full-strength effort on Wednesday, per the New York Daily News. “I don’t want to give anyone the notion that I’m healthy but I just want to take today off. Me as a leader, if I’m able to walk and I’m able to play I’ve got to bring it.” 

For any early faults of the Knicks, the team has managed to stay relatively healthy: five Knicks, including Brunson, have appeared in all 29 games thus far this season. Brunson and fellow franchise headliners Julius Randle and RJ Barrett are among them.

While Brunson's box score contributions are obviously appreciated, head coach Tom Thibodeau felt having his prescience on the floor was enough of a positive development. 

“He wants to win. It’s where his joy comes from," Thibodeau said. "It’s the winning. If he scored two points and we won, he’d be thrilled. That’s what I love about him. 

"He loves to win. He loves when his teammates do well. I think it’s been great for our team. I think it’s the best type of leadership that you can have.”

The next opportunity for one of those wins comes on Sunday evening when the Knicks cap off a three-game road trip in Indiana (5 p.m. ET, MSG).

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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