Jalen Brunson Wows Fans as Knicks Beat Pelicans Without Zion, Extend Road Win Streak
December 22, 2024
The New York Knicks defeated the Zion-less New Orleans Pelicans 104-93 on Saturday night, led by a standout performance from Jalen Brunson, extending their road-winning streak to five games.
Brunson capped off the night with a season-high 39 points, six assists and two steals, shooting an impressive 13-of-19 from the field and 70 percent from beyond the arc in the win. Mikal Bridges contributed 18 points, three assists and two steals to the effort.
On the opposing side, Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 26 points, six rebounds, and two assists, shooting 11-of-18 from the field.
Zion Williamson has not played since Nov. 6 due to a hamstring injury, as the Pelicans dropped to 5-24 on the season.
Fans flooded social media to praise Brunson's impressive performance as the Knicks improved to 18-10.
In true fashion, Brunson started the scoring with a three-point shot off an assist from Karl-Anthony Towns. The first half closed with two free throws from Josh Hart, as the Knicks trailed 45-49 entering halftime.
Brunson ignited the Knicks' comeback in the third quarter with a 36-foot three-pointer, helping them take a 78-75 lead into the fourth. The Knicks outscored the Pelicans 26-18 in the final period and Towns hit a hook shot with just under two minutes left to put the Knicks up by eleven, effectively sealing the win and ending any hopes of a Pelicans comeback.
The Knicks will face the Toronto Raptors at home on Monday as they aim to extend their win-streak to four straight.