Knicks takeaways from Sunday’s 116-113 loss to Suns, including Jalen Brunson’s valiant effort

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The Knicks nearly notched another double-digit comeback win but ultimately suffered a 116-113 loss to the shorthanded Phoenix Suns, who escaped New York on Devin Booker‘s game-winning shot with two seconds left.

Four things to know from Sunday’s game

1. Jalen Brunson‘s game-high 35 points, 20 of which came throughout the first half, carried New York until Julius Randle came to life in the third quarter. Randle scored 17 of his 28 points in the 12 minutes after halftime. The Knicks trailed 64-56 at the break and closed the gap to 95-92 entering the fourth quarter.

2. RJ Barrett was a non-factor, scoring nine points on 3-of-11 shooting in 31 minutes. Mitchell Robinson grabbed 11 rebounds in 34 minutes but had only two points to show for his offensive efforts. He also missed two critical free throws with 2:41 left in the fourth quarter and the Knicks trailing 111-107.

3. The shorthanded Suns (11-6), who were without Kevin Durant (right foot) and Bradley Beal (back), took advantage of the lack of Knicks support around Brunson and built a largest lead of 15 at 46-31 at the second quarter’s 7:55 mark on Booker’s two made free throws. Notably for Phoenix, Eric Gordon scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half as New York struggled to limit him from deep.

4. The Knicks tied the game at 113 apiece on Brunson’s midrange jumper with 21.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but Booker one-upped him on the ensuing possession. Booker faded right with two defenders closing on him and splashed a triple with two seconds left, polishing off his 28-point effort in a dramatic way. Brunson’s attempt for the tie, a 3-point shot off an inbound, rimmed out and sealed the heartbreaking Knicks loss.

Highlights

What’s next

The Knicks (9-7) continue their four-game homestand Tuesday when they host the 5-10 Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/knicks-takeaways-sundays-116-113-014707701.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2023-11-27 01:47:07

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