Dallas Basketball

NBA Twitter Reacts to Massive Jalen Brunson Game in Mavs Win vs. Jazz

Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson dropped an incredible 41 points against the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

Grant Afseth

A significant part of the Dallas Mavericks' 110-104 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 2 was a 41-point performance from Jalen Brunson. 

Brunson's performance set a new playoff career-high in scoring. He also became the first player in Mavericks history to score 40 points without commuting a turnover in a postseason performance.

Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Brunson kept the Mavericks afloat after a rough scoring start. At one point, he had accounted for 18 of the Mavericks' initial 27 points as of the 7:58 mark of the second quarter. He ultimately finished with 21 at halftime. 

After the break, Brunson dropped an additional 20 points to get to 41 on the night. He consistently made big plays throughout the second half — playing a pivotal role in filling the void left behind by Luka Doncic being sidelined due to a left calf strain. 

“He’s gonna make a lot of money," Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. "I don’t know if he needs an agent. It’s not just what he did tonight. He’s shown he deserves to be paid.”

Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Mavericks experienced a significant momentum swing by tying the series 1-1 with the looming potential return of Doncic. There were a lot of reactions to Brunson's electrifying performance, especially when considering the implications of his upcoming free agency.

Brunson's big game on Monday was just the latest display of the strides in development he's experienced this season despite not being named a finalist for the NBA's Most Improved Player. He averaged a career-high in points (16.3), rebounds (3.9), and assists (4.8). 

The Mavericks made the midseason adjustment to implement Brunson into the starting lineup. He started in 61 games and in his starts averaged 17.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists with a 39-22 record. 

Here were some of the top reactions on NBA Twitter to Jalen Brunson's 41-point performance in Game 2:

J.J. Redick

Ja Morant 

SportsCenter

Dallas Mavericks

Jason Gallagher

Damian Lillard/Miles Bridges

Patrick Mahomes

Published
Grant Afseth
GRANT AFSETH

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for MavericksGameday.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth). You can reach Grant at grantafseth35@gmail.com.

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