Jalen Brunson Jan 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) brings the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Knicks could have folded after blowing a 10-point lead with less than seven minutes remaining against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

They did not, thanks largely to Jalen Brunson. The 6-foot-1 point guard scored nine points in the final five minutes to power the Knicks to a 101-97 win in their NBA Playoffs opener.

Brunson’s driving floater with less than a minute remaining proved huge in the end.

This was a big win for Knicks, who have underperformed in the postseason for many years. Incredibly, they’ve advanced past the first round of the playoffs only once since 2000.

As the final buzzer sounded, ESPN broadcaster Dave Pasch highlighted just how much this win meant.

“The New York Knicks take Game 1, their first road Game 1 win in 24 years! They had lost their six Game 1s away from Madison Square Garden.”

Pro tip: When you want to win an NBA playoff series, it helps to win the opener.

NBA fans and Knicks faithful saluted the team on the victory.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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