Jalen Brunson’s career high in assists leads Knicks to tie franchise mark

On By Littum

DENVER – Jalen Brunson has played 440 NBA games and 162 for the Knicks, but this was the best night of his career.

The All-Star point guard recorded a career-high 17 assists to help the Knicks tie a franchise record with 45 in Monday’s 145-118 win over the Nuggets.

“For me, it’s great to have that career high, but it’s a credit to (my teammates),” said Brunson, who also scored 23 points. “Everybody in this locker room works really hard. They put a lot into their game. I mean literally, without them it wouldn’t be possible.”

When informed that former Villanova teammate and podcast co-host Josh Hart said the 17-assist night was “probably (something) you’ll never see again,” Brunson responded, “Yeah, Josh is funny. I would would have got more if I didn’t give him the ball.”

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, right, looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Denver. AP

Brunson became the first Knick since Nate Robinson in 2008-09 to post at least 20 points and 15 assists in the same game.

“I thought Jalen had an incredible floor game,” Tom Thibodeau said.

Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson accompanied the Knicks on the five-game road trip, and the first of the two injured big men appears to be nearing his return to the lineup.

Achiuwa, who has been out of the side since suffering a hamstring injury at the end of pre-season, has been released to contact and could soon make his season debut, although it is still unlikely to stay for the tour that concludes with stops in Dallas (Wednesday) and Charlotte (Friday).

“Precious does pretty much everything now,” Thibodeau said before the game. “He’s made some contact. He’s on the next step. He’s getting close.

Precious Achiuwa #5 of the New York Knicks watches his team compete against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Ball Arena on November 25, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images
Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks arrives at the arena before the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 25, 2024. NBAE via Getty Images

“And Mitch, obviously, just having him around, he hasn’t been cleared to do anything other than the rehab part of it. But it’s good to see that he’s progressing well as well. He’s not that close, as Precious is, but we’re very encouraged with both guys.”

Robinson is expected to be out until at least December or January after undergoing surgery on his left ankle in May.

Asked if he believes Achiuwa will play on the road trip, Thibodeau added: “Nah. He’s not quite there yet. We just want to be patient. We don’t want this thing to happen again. Let him get through it and when he’s ready, he’s ready.”

Miles McBride returned to the lineup after missing five games with a knee problem and scored 13 points in 27 minutes.