Villanova in the Pros: Another Comeback Effort from Jalen Brunson

Villanova alumnus Jalen Brunson cleared the 30 point barrier for the second game in a row on Monday, April 21, scoring 37 points in the New York Knicks’ Game 2 loss to Detroit in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Brunson has scored at least 30 points in four of five games dating back to last postseason, dropping 34 in the Knicks’ come from behind win on Saturday, April 19 to open the playoffs. This time, New York couldn’t complete another comeback despite Brunson putting up 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, closing the deficit to 94-92 at one point. Brunson added seven assists, while his former Villanova and current Knicks teammates Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart contributed 19 and 10 points, respectively.

Philadelphia area product Jalen Duren, now in his third year with Detroit, put up a 12 point, 13 rebound double-double, providing a key presence in the low post during the Pistons’ upset win.

The Knicks’ playoff series will continue at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 in Detroit.

Other former Wildcats active in this year’s playoffs include Donte DiVincenzo, coming off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Cam Whitmore, who was a healthy scratch in the Houston Rockets’ game 1 loss.