Villanova in the Pros: Jalen Brunson Stifles Pistons Comeback

Villanova alumnus Jalen Brunson carried the New York Knicks on his back in crunch time for the third game in a row on Thursday, April 24, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter to help his team eke out a 118-116 win in Game 3 of their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons.

Brunson also picked up a pair of assists in the frame, contributing to 17 of the 25 points New York scored while weathering a massive Pistons comeback attempt. On the day, Brunson scored 30 points, adding nine rebounds and seven assists for a near triple-double.

This marks the fifth time in Brunson’s last six playoff games (dating back to last postseason) in which he’s scored at least 30 points, including three games in a row to begin this year’s playoffs. It also marks his third game in a row with double digit points in the fourth quarter alone. A starter in February’s All-Star Game, Brunson received recognition for his clutch play from the league itself, earning this season’s Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.

Fellow Villanova alumnus Mikal Bridges added 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks during Thursday’s win, doing a bit of everything for the Knicks, while Josh Hart closed in on a double-double with 11 rebounds and nine assists.