Jalen Brunson poured in 26 points against the Philadelphia 76ers but failed to earn the praise of New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown.
Brunson was instrumental as the Knicks moved 2-0 up in the Eastern Conference semi-finals after a topsy-turvy game that saw the lead change hands 25 times.
But it was New York who emerged 108-102 winners with the series now moving to Philadelphia for Game Three tomorrow night.
“It’s staying poised, staying composed,” Brunson said. “Just figuring out one play at a time, one step at a time and not looking too far ahead.”
The 29-year-old was pretty satisfied with his night’s work but Brown felt he was merely doing his job, stating: “They started switching a little bit and he got to his spots and scored a bucket and that’s what he’s expected to do for us.”
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points for the Knicks while OG Anunoby added 24 before hobbling off in the closing minutes.
Anunoby looked uncomfortable as he walked off following an attempted dunk.
“It looked like he was hopping, but I don’t know anything,” Brown said. “They haven’t told me. I just know he left the game. Nobody said he was back. I haven’t talked to anybody yet.”
Nurse frustrated after late wobble
If he is missing for Game Three tomorrow night, that would be a boost for a 76ers side that competed well but saw their shot accuracy disappear when they needed it most.
“I commend their effort,” said 76ers coach Nick Nurse after watching his team miss 11 of its final 12 three-pointers. “I just wish that a couple of those really good [looks went in]. All we needed was one or two … we just needed one or two to kind get the thing to at least get it down to the end where we had a chance.”
Philly were without Joel Embiid due to an ankle sprain and hip soreness but hope to have him back for a must-win game tomorrow.
Tyrese Maxey scored 26 points for the 76ers and is expecting an equally intense encounter back on home territory.
“It’s going to be like this for the rest of the series,” said Maxey. “I don’t expect anything less. However long the series is, I feel like every single game is going to be like it was tonight.
“It’s going to be extremely physical, extremely competitive, and it’s going to come down to who makes the play at the end of the game.”
