Jalen Brunson, Knicks Electrify Fans in Comeback Win vs. Nets Ahead of NBA Playoffs

zach bacharContributor IApril 13, 2024

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 12, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Jalen Brunson's second-half heroics helped lift the New York Knicks to a 111-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

The win was far from easy for New York, as Brooklyn jumped out to an early 11-0 advantage to start the game. The Nets went up by as many as 17 points in the first half, holding a 63-54 lead at halftime.

However, Brunson and OG Anunoby came out strong in the third quarter to help the Knicks get back into the game. The All-Star point guard finished the night with 30 points and 11 assists, shooting just 40 percent from the field although he connected on three of his seven attempts from behind the arc.

After going scoreless in the first half, Anunoby dropped 15 points in the third quarter alone.

NEW YORK KNICKS @nyknicks
OG! OH MY! 🤯 That's a grown man <a href="https://t.co/susEr3yYAk">pic.twitter.com/susEr3yYAk</a>

The Nets pulled to within one point in the fourth quarter, although the Knicks secured the win after a key bucket in the paint from Brunson to go along with a pair of free throws.

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Fans were impressed with New York's resurgence in the second half as well as Brunson's double-double:

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
It took three quarters, but the Knicks seem to have found themselves. Or the Nets found themselves. I don't know. New York leads.

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Jalen Brunson with his worst game in about a month… only 30 points and 11 assists in the win

NBA Memes @NBAMemes
Nets really choked away a 17 point lead against the Knicks <a href="https://t.co/FsfZwr5C8T">pic.twitter.com/FsfZwr5C8T</a>

Ariel @APachecoNBA
Brunson is so reliable in late games. Always know you're getting a quality look

x - Quick4MVP @Quick4MVp
WHAT A COMEBACK FROM THE KNICKS!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYorkForever?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYorkForever</a>

Nikki Gist @NikkiNic9384
Brunson Baby!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYorkForever?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYorkForever</a>

Evan Barnes @evan_b
MVP chants for Jalen Brunson as he makes two FTs with 11.6 seconds left. Nets led by 17 at one point. Brunson put these Knicks on his back once gain for what could be a wild Knicks comeback/Nets collapse. Cam Thomas has 41 pts for the Nets

nahh-Baron, Dade-Rautha @Hozay_
17 point comeback let's GO KNICKS

Ken Connolly @KC1798_
BRUNSONNNN!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Knicks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Knicks</a> trailed by 17 points and now have their first lead of the night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYorkForever?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYorkForever</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nets</a>

The Knicks moved to 49-32 after the win and currently sit 0.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.