The last time the New York Knicks faced the Miami Heat, their leading wing Julius Randle saw an early exit. Randle collided with Jaime Jaquez Jr. while driving to the basket, suffering a dislocated shoulder. Now, as the Knicks aimed to sweep the season series against them, head coach Tom Thibodeau was haunted by Randle’s injury; this time through Jalen Brunson.

As the Heat’s tiring and physical defense made things hard for 6’1 Brunson, Tom was forced to resort away from his usually calm and composed demeanor. The head coach was seen continuously yelling, “He’s getting fouled, he’s getting fouled, he’s getting fouled, he’s getting fouled, he’s getting fouled, he’s getting fouled,” from the sidelines.

The Knicks stepped into the game after 2 tough losses, hoping to kick-start a final run of the season. In a way, the game held more significance, due to their previous playoff elimination through Miami. Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo led NY’s scoring, posting 24 and 31 points respectively. However, the Heat were in control of the game since the first minute.

Bam Adebayo recorded a near double-double with 9 rebounds and 15 points, while Terry Rozier led the squad with a game-high 34 points. Miami’s top card, Jimmy Butler, saw 17 points to his name, all while hounding Brunson and other ball-handlers on defense. The Florida team managed to contain a streaking Brunson to just 5-18 shooting in the game (20 points). However, they couldn’t restrict him from generating a double-double, 10 assists, while tackling their multi-men defenses. Regardless, in light of the long-standing track record, the game was another glimpse of prejudice against NY’s wonder guard.

Prejudice against Jalen Brunson goes on

The instance of Brunson facing tightened defense and more physical plays comes after the controversial loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the final second of the game, Brunson drove to the basket, absorbing a controversial contest. While there was no foul called, Jalen managed to bank the shot nonetheless.

Brunson, an all star this year, is probably Big Apple’s best leader in recent years. However, he is still snatched of the superstar treatment unlike other players in the league. Take Anthony Edwards for example. Since Randle’s late-January injury, Brunson is bearing most of NY’s offensive load.

However, despite the increased attention of defenses on him, he is topped by Edwards in free-throw attempts (since February). While the Knicks lack a decent offensive big man currently, Minnesota has Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Town (out since March 6) and Naz Reid.

With that, Brunson takes 22.5 shots from the floor per night, while Ant attempts 20.3. However, Ant possesses a natural gift to get past defenders (320 shots near the rim this season), which Jalen lacks (180 shots near the basket). Regardless, Ant sees the charity stripes more than Brunson (5.8 times to Brunson’s 5).

But Edwards has more shots at the basket. Obviously he will get more whistles, right? Well, imagine your average NBA defender, who’d you pick from Brunson and Edwards to beat them in the lane? Edwards who has a knack for blowing by defenders with his quick first step and unparalleled athleticism. For Brunson, it demands taking advantage of opportunities, rather than creating them like Anthony.

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