Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant sang Jalen Brunson’s praises after his 50-point showing led to an upset win for the New York Knicks.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant had no apparent issue about being eclipsed by Jalen Brunson in Friday’s historic showing at Footprint Center.
In the visiting New York Knicks’ 139-122 win, Brunson scored a career-high 50 points on 17-of-23 shooting from the field, which included a perfect 9-of-9 from behind the arc to tie an NBA record. Even the accomplished Durant was left in awe by the end as his Suns played victim to the 18th 50-point game in Knicks history.
“That’s his franchise,” Durant said in video from Duane Ranking of the Arizona Republic. “They’re all there to support him and put him in the best position he can to be a Hall of Fame player by the end of his career, the way he’s playing out there. If he keeps this up, he’s on great pace to do that. But they all support him, they put in sets for him, they run plays for him. When he gets hot, they continue to get him the ball, so tonight was one of those nights for him.”
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While some could see the comments as a slight jab at his Phoenix teammates, praise from Durant is perhaps one of the highest honors a modern NBA player could receive considering his packed resume.
In addition to Friday’s career-high 50, Brunson also added six rebounds, nine assists, and five steals (also a personal best). It was the latest example of the 27-year point guard living up to every expectation a $104 million contract placed on him and Brunson seems well poised to reach his first NBA All-Star Game if he’s able to keep it up.
Brunson’s next chance to impress comes on Monday night when he and the Knicks (14-11) return to action against the Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
