{"id":121922,"date":"2025-02-04T16:32:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T21:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=121922"},"modified":"2025-02-04T16:32:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T21:32:05","slug":"knicks-fans-jalen-brunson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/04\/knicks-fans-jalen-brunson\/","title":{"rendered":"Knicks Fans Shouldn’t Take Jalen Brunson for Granted"},"content":{"rendered":"

Monday night, the New York Knicks beat the Houston Rockets 124-118 behind a late surge. It was a tough game for an undermanned New York, as Houston’s waves of athleticism and toughness were very difficult to handle. Behind young studs Jalen Green<\/a>, Amen Thompson<\/a>, and Cam Whitmore<\/a>, Ime Udoka<\/a>‘s bunch took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n

Luckily for New York, who didn’t have OG Anunoby<\/a> for the first time all season<\/a>, their captain would ensure they didn’t lose this one. Jalen Brunson<\/a>‘s latest masterclass saved the day, dropping 42 points and 10 assists on 14-27 from the field. Brunson scored 17 in the fourth, including several late baskets against All-NBA caliber defenders. Once again, MVP chants showered the Nova product after his heroic performance at the Garden.<\/p>\n

Knicks Fans Shouldn’t Take Jalen Brunson for Granted<\/h2>\n

Before Brunson arrived in New York in the 2022 offseason, the point guard position was a serious issue. Here are the starting point guards on opening night since 2009: Kemba Walker<\/a>, Elfrid Payton<\/a>, Allonzo Trier<\/a>, Trey Burke<\/a>, Ramon Sessions<\/a>, Derrick Rose<\/a>, Jose Calderon<\/a>, Shane Larkin<\/a>, Pablo Prigioni<\/a>, Raymond Felton<\/a>, Toney Douglas<\/a>, Raymond Felton, and Chris Duhon<\/a>. A couple of things stand out. Until Brunson, the Knicks didn’t have the same starting PG in back-to-back years since Duhon in 2008 and 2009.\u00a0 Also, even in their best years, New York has rarely had a competent starter at the all-important position. The only well-known PGs who have suited up for the Knicks before Brunson since 2009 are Derrick Rose (past his prime), Kemba Walker (past his prime), and Raymond Felton, who was a solid player.<\/p>\n

\n

Every Knicks starting point guard on opening night since 2009:<\/p>\n

2009: Chris Duhon
2010: Ray Felton
2011: Toney Douglas
2012: Ray Felton
2013: P. Prigioni
2014: Shane Larkin
2015: Jose Calderon
2016: D Rose
2017: Ramon Sessions
2018: Trey Burke
2019: Allonzo Trier
2020: Elf Payton<\/p>\n

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) October 20, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n