Wednesday was a frustrating night for Jalen Brunson and the Knicks.
New York had a golden opportunity to eliminate the Boston Celtics, who were reeling after losing Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles in their Game 4 loss at Madison Square Garden. But the visitors failed to capitalize at TD Garden, and their best player failed to finish the game.
Brunson hit the bench with 7:19 left in the fourth quarter after logging his sixth foul. The star guard entered the final frame on the precipice of an early exit after he was whistled for five (!) infractions in the third quarter. After the Celtics’ 127-102 win, Brunson was asked if he previously was ever whistled for five fouls in one quarter.
“Five fouls in one quarter? I don’t know what you want me to say to that,” Brunson said, per an SNY video.
The reporter followed up by asking Brunson how “crazy” the third quarter was, to which the two-time All-Star replied, “I’m not even gonna say anything. I’m sorry.”
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Fortunately for Brunson, another great opportunity awaits Friday. The Knicks can advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season with a win on their home floor.
That said, the C’s gained some momentum from their Game 5 win and have adopted an underdog edge in wake of Tatum’s season-ending injury. Thus, New York likely will need Brunson to be at his best to bounce the reigning NBA champions.