Jalen Brunson, Mavs React to 'Very Special' First Game in Dallas Since Knicks Departure

Jalen Brunson played his first game at American Airlines Center on Thursday since Game 5 of the 2022 Western Conference Finals as a member of the Mavs.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks came out with the 128-124 victory against the New York Knicks on Thursday. It was Jalen Brunson's first game played at American Airlines Center since Game 5 of the 2022 Western Conference Finals as a member of the Mavs. 

Brunson, who finished with 30 points and eight assists against the Mavs, received a warm reception from the home crowd after he was introduced to the Knicks' starting lineup. He was grateful for the reaction from the fans who supported him throughout his time in Dallas, calling it "really special."

“It was really fun, not gonna lie, regardless of the outcome,” Brunson said. “This place is special. Hearing that when I heard my name called, it was really cool. So I thank them for that. It was really special.”

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Josh Green spent a lot of time guarding his former teammate Brunson, often picking him up full-court and doing what he could to prevent him from attacking with his right hand. The resistance Green provided was key in disrupting Brunson throughout the first half, containing him to 13 points on 4-12 shooting and 0-3 from deep.

“It felt weird,” Green said. “It feels like a long time ago that he was here. To see how good of a season he’s had, last year, too, obviously as a competitor going against him, I don’t want him to do that against us. But deep down, I’m really happy for him and happy for all of his success.”

Brunson heated up throughout the second half, even managing to lead the Knicks on a rally to trail by only one-point in clutch time despite trailing by 20 at halftime. He scored 22 points after the break, shooting 6-10 from the floor, 2-3 from deep, and 3-3 on free throws, while dishing out six assists.

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Brunson has continued to elevate his game throughout his NBA career. Already coming off a career-year, he's averaging another single-season best for points (25.8) and assists (6.4) in what very well could earn him an All-Star nod. Mavs coach Jason Kidd has a lot of respect for what Brunson continues to achieve.

“He’s not afraid of the stage,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said of Brunson. “He’s not afraid of the moment. He’s a leader. He’s an All-Star. He’s everything that you want. And he’s getting better.”

The next time the Mavs will face Brunson's Knicks will be at Madison Square Garden, completing a three-game East Coast road trip in February.