Knicks’ Jalen Brunson after first 40-point game of the season: ‘I work too hard to not be confident’

Jalen BrunsonThe first 40-point game of the year couldn’t have come at a better time.

The All-Star point guard hit a season high Saturday night, leading the Knicks over the Orlando Magic and advancing to the NBA Cup championship Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

Announcement

Brunson’s scoring explosion came on 16-of-27 shooting (59.3%), despite going 2-of-5 from three-point range and making just six free throws. He also added eight assists, four rebounds and a steal in 39 minutes in the 132-120 win.

After the win, Brunson spoke with the NBA team on Prime about his performance and how his game continues to improve, especially on the big stages.

“I think the way we played, I was able to get a couple more catches and shots. I have a lot of confidence in my shot,” Brunson said. “I work too hard to not have confidence. Sometimes it happens, and when it happens I’ll keep firing them.”

The 29-year-old was then asked by the former two-time MVP Steve Nash about his “touch on the rim” and how he continues to improve throughout his career.

Announcement

“It’s something I had to learn,” Brunson said. “Obviously I’m not the tallest and I don’t skip people… My game is unique. I play off balance. I’m balanced, but most people wouldn’t be. That’s the thing I work on, tricky. I’ve been doing this a long time and it just keeps getting better and better, like you said.”

Brunson’s previous season high was 37 points, achieved twice this year (against the Heat on October 26 and against the Bucks on November 28). He is now averaging 28.3 points per game in 22 games and has scored 30+ points in four straight games.

New York, winners of five straight games, will need Brunson to continue playing with that confidence to maintain their streak Tuesday night in the NBA Cup championship against the winner of the Thunder-Spurs semifinal.