With the playoffs approaching closer and closer each day, tensions are rising between each team to perform better. Each loss has proven to be a major disappointment during the recent games. The same was observed during the recent clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson pulled off the highest score during the game, securing 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists during the game. His contribution, however, was diminished in light of the combined offensive effort by 76ers players Kelly Oubre Jr., Buddy Hield, and Paul Reed. In the end, the Knicks lost by a score of 79-73.
In the aftermath of the game, the Knicks player discussed the team’s performance. Taking the loss on a personal level, Brunson replied, “I played like dog s**t. That’s it.” He further highlighted his disappointment in himself by stating, “I gotta be better as a player, as a leader, to make sure we’re all ready to go. We weren’t tonight.”
"I played like dog s**t. That's it."
– Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/JVaoQMGdEZ
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 11, 2024
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Even though Brunson made the highest score of the night, it was a drastically low one when compared to his season average of 27.1 points. On top of that, the player only shot 1/9 from the three-point area and 6/22 from the field. All of this culminated into the lowest score total secured by any team this season.
Much of the Knicks’ poor performance could also be attributed to the absence of their three key players. With Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson being out of the picture due to injuries, the pressure to do well laid mostly on Brunson. This may have resulted in the 2024 All Star not performing as well as he expected.
Josh Hart echoes Jalen Brunson’s disappointment
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Jalen Brunson wasn’t the only Knicks player who was disappointed in the recent outcome. Shooting guard Josh Hart was also amongst the players who spoke out in the aftermath of the recent game.
Speaking to a few media members in his locker room, the 29-year-old also didn’t hesitate in stating “We played like s**t”. From blaming the team’s low shooting ability to highlighting their bad turnovers, the disappointment on Hart’s face could be seen as plain as day.
“We gotta turn and flush it” said Hart. “We got them together on Tuesday and try to come out and play better”.
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The Knicks will have a chance to make amends when facing off against the 76ers again on Tuesday. Knowing what went wrong during the recent game, Jalen Brunson will be looking at this recent loss as a lesson and work to improve upon the same. In time, the Knicks will be sure to find back their footing.