Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are determined to move past their 131-104 heartbreaking loss against the Boston Celtics. The 28-year-old guard believes that the team will show signs of improvement after the blowout.
After reviewing game footage, Brunson believes the Knicks have a chance to compete at a higher level—if they fight from start to finish.
Learning from the Celtics Loss
Following a humiliating defeat at the hands of the reigning NBA champions, Brunson admitted that the Knicks started off flat, per Athlon Sports. However, a promising stretch in the third quarter showed that they can compete when they play with intensity.
"I learned if we fight, we have a chance," Brunson said. "We got to be ready from the jump."
During the third quarter, the Knicks trimmed a 14-point deficit to just three within four minutes, thanks to a smaller, more fluid lineup. But the momentum was short-lived. Boston responded with a dominant 26-7 run, sealing the game and exposing New York's inability to sustain high-level play.
Are the Knicks Too Far Behind the Elite Teams?
The loss raised concerns about whether the Knicks are true contenders in the Eastern Conference. NBA analyst Brian Scalabrine aka "White Mamba" didn't hold back, stating, "If you're the Knicks, it all comes crashing down. You are reminded once again that you are just not at the same level."
Despite the criticism, Brunson remains optimistic. Instead of dwelling on the loss, he sees it as a learning experience. He said that the whole team played a great stretch in mid-game, but it should be consistent all throughout the game.
Small Lineup Sparks Temporary Comeback
The New York Post reports that head coach Tom Thibodeau made an unusual adjustment in the second half, opting for a smaller lineup to improve offensive efficiency. He benched Precious Achiuwa in favor of Miles McBride, joining Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor.
Although the lineup helped the Knicks claw back into the game, Thibodeau emphasized that adjustments come with trade-offs.
The former Chicago Bulls coach said that the squad needs to change something. However, every time they do that, the other areas of development are "vulnerable."
The Knicks' defensive struggles were evident, especially without top defender OG Anunoby, who missed the game due to injury. Anunoby is expected to remain out until after the All-Star break, leaving Thibodeau with lineup decisions for upcoming games.
Did the Knicks Bounce Back?
Of course, Brunson and the Knicks stayed true to their words as they overwhelmed the Pacers in the latest outing. The Knickerbockers defeated them, 128-115 with a dominant performance from Karl-Anthony Towns (40 points) and Josh Hart (30 points).
Brunson contributed eight points and seven assists in 23 minutes of playing.
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