MEMPHIS — Jalen Brunson, known as “Captain Clutch,” might have opted for a final shot, but he didn’t. Instead, with seconds left in the game, he made a smart pass. As the clock ticked down, he drove into the paint and found OG Anunoby waiting on the 3-point line. Anunoby took the shot and scored, securing the win for the Knicks in a thrilling 114-113 victory over the Grizzlies.
Brunson has been on fire in clutch moments lately. Earlier in the game, he hit a crucial 3-pointer to give the Knicks the lead with 24 seconds left. However, Ja Morant quickly responded with a layup, putting the Grizzlies ahead. That set the stage for Anunoby’s game-winning shot.
“I knew I might be open because of the attention JB gets,” Anunoby said. “So I just focused on being ready.”
This win marked the Knicks’ sweep of the season series against Memphis, who were sitting second in the Western Conference at the time.
Just a month before, the Knicks overwhelmed the Grizzlies by 27 points at Madison Square Garden. But this match was different. The Grizzlies led for most of the first half, taking a narrow 3-point lead into the break.
In the third quarter, Memphis gained their largest lead, but the Knicks rallied back. With ten minutes left in the fourth, they finally took the lead. The rest of the game was a nail-biter, filled with back-and-forth plays until Anunoby’s decisive shot settled it.
“Every game tests you in different ways, and winning feels great,” said coach Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks were at full strength for the first time this season with the return of Mitchell Robinson. However, foul trouble plagued a couple of starters, forcing Thibodeau to lean more on the bench than usual.
Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with rhythm, finishing with just 11 points after playing limited minutes due to fouls. Josh Hart also faced foul challenges, adding only 12 points to the score.
Despite these hurdles, the Knicks found a way to shine. Every starter scored in double digits, while Miles McBride contributed 17 points off the bench. Brunson led the team with 23 points and provided critical assists, showcasing his exceptional playmaking ability.
“Brunson’s mindset is key,” Hart noted. “He not only scores but also creates great opportunities for us. We trust him in close games; he knows how to make things happen.”
Check out this related article: Watch Robelis Despaigne’s Lightning-Fast Knockout at Karate Combat 53!
Source linkNBA,Sports,jalen brunson,memphis grizzlies,mitchell robinson,new york knicks,og anunoby
