Jalen Brunson Drops Career-High 48 Points as Knicks Mount Historic 21-0 Run to Shock Celtics

Lead guard Jalen Brunson will suit up tonight in Dallas, his first action since suffering a Grade 1 right-ankle sprain eight days ago, giving the New York Knicks a badly needed boost as they open a pivotal four-game road trip. Why Brunson’s Return Matters • All-Star production: Brunson is averaging 25.6 points, 6.4 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 42.3 percent from three in Year 3 with New York. • Sliding offense: The Knicks scored just 103.5 points per game and went 0-2 during his absence, their worst two-game stretch of the season. • Leadership void: Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson’s “voice in the huddle,” noting the team’s turnover rate spiked 17 percent without him. Homecoming in Big D The matchup marks Brunson’s second game in Dallas since leaving the Mavericks in 2022 free agency. Last season he dropped 38 points at American Airlines Center, and he is 4-0 lifetime against his former club. Managing the Ankle According to the Knicks’ medical staff, Brunson cleared all agility and contact benchmarks on Tuesday and completed a full shootaround Wednesday morning. Expect a soft minutes cap around 32, with backup guard Immanuel Quickley ready for longer stretches if needed. What It Means for the Knicks’ Playoff Push At 9-5, New York sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. The team now embarks on a rugged stretch featuring the Mavericks, Spurs, Suns and Nuggets—clubs with a combined .640 winning percentage. A healthy Brunson positions the Knicks to solidify a top-four seed before Thanksgiving. Fantasy & Betting Impact • Upgrade Brunson to must-start status in DFS lineups; Dallas ranks 27th in defensive rating versus pick-and-roll ball-handlers. • Watch Julius Randle’s assist prop (set at 4.5); his playmaking dips when Brunson handles primary creation. • Knicks ATS: New York is 7-2 against the spread when Brunson plays 30+ minutes. Quote of the Day “I hate sitting out. The ankle feels good, and I’m ready to help my guys win,” Brunson told reporters after practice. Looking Ahead If Brunson experiences no setbacks, he is expected to be full-go for Friday’s nationally televised clash with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, a marquee matchup that could further elevate his early All-NBA campaign. Keywords: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, ankle sprain, NBA injury update, NBA 2025 season, Knicks vs Mavericks, Eastern Conference standings, NBA fantasy tips