PHOENIX — There’s something about this arena for Jalen Brunson.
A year after he dropped his first 50-bomb in Phoenix, the Knicks point guard pulled off his best performance of the young season with 36 points and 10 assists to bury the Suns in a 138-122 Wednesday cruise.
Brunson shot 12-for-21, including 7 of 11 from 3, and was joined in the efficiency party by Karl-Anthony Towns (34 points, 10 boards, 12 of 19 shooting).
Knicks’ 138-122 win over the Suns on Nov. 20, 2024. NBAE via Getty Images
The streaking Knicks (9-6), an emerging powerhouse on offense, won their fourth consecutive.
In three games at Footprint Arena as a Knick, Brunson has averaged 37.7 points.
He kept the game ball of his 50-point explosion from last season in Phoenix, which Brunson treasures more than the 61-point gem in San Antonio a few months later.
“That one doesn’t count,” Brunson said, “we lost.”
The Knicks certainly didn’t lose Wednesday. In fact, they never trailed against the shorthanded Suns (9-7).
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, two of the Phoenix Big 3, were both out with injury.
Ighodaro during the Knicks’ win over the Suns. Getty Images
The Suns are very beatable without Durant (1-6), who has a calf injury and no return timetable.
Phoenix had neither defense nor support for Devin Booker on Wednesday.
The Knicks (9-6) were missing important bench players but have avoided the devastating injury bug that’s plagued the NBA to start this campaign.
Tom Thibodeau, a spokesman against load management, said the secret to health is to be in shape.
“The narratives could be a million different ways,” the Knicks coach said. “I think when you really dig deep into it, you see that injuries have always been a part of the game. If you’re playing professional sports, basically the only way you can prevent an injury or guarantee an injury won’t happen is don’t participate, don’t practice, don’t play, don’t do anything. You’ll never get hurt.
“But if you’re out there, that’s why there’s a value of being in great shape all the time. So, you have to do all the things you can to prepare yourself to endure a long season. I think when you look at the players that have been durable, it’s usually the ones that are in unbelievable shape, who stay in shape year-round and prepare themselves for what they’re going to go through.”
The first quarter was a Knicks offensive clinic. It set the tone for the blowout.
The Knicks scored 44 points, dished out 14 assists and shot 18-for-23, including 8-for-11 from beyond the arc.
Brunson was the catalyst with 11 points and six assists on perfect shooting in that opening period.
The lead rose to 18 at halftime.
The Suns, devoid of firepower outside of Booker (33 points, 38 minutes), never responded.
The Knicks shot 58 percent overall and 49 percent on treys.
Josh Hart bulled his way to 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Every starter scored at least 14 points, reiterating the balance that has helped carry the team through the opening 15 games.
It was a strong start to a Western Conference trip with stops upcoming in Utah, Denver and Dallas.
Brunson again handled his business in Phoenix.