Jalen Brunson continues to prove why he's one of the best guards in the NBA on a nightly basis. Brunson put his New York Knicks on his back yet again on Friday night during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Despite Brunson's monster performance, the Knicks now find themselves down 2-0 and will now head to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. In Game 2, Brunson finished with 36 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, one steal, and five made 3-pointers in a 114-109 loss to the Pacers.
Even in a loss, Brunson joined elite company on a historic playoff list with yet another performance with at least 30 points and at least 10 assists.
As per @statmuse on X, the only players in NBA history with more playoff games of at least 30 points and 10 assists are LeBron James (23) and Michael Jordan (15). Thursday's performance was Brunson's seventh of his career.
Brunson continues to have the best season of his career. At 28 years old, Brunson won the Kia Clutch Player of the Year award, and as of Friday, was named to his second consecutive All-NBA second team.
He's also led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000. While the Knicks find themselves in a 2-0 hole, Brunson is averaging 30.4 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game during this year's playoffs.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) in the fourth quarter during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) in the fourth quarter during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Brunson and the Knicks will look for their first Eastern Conference finals victory since 2000 during Game 3 in Indiana on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. EDT on TNT.