Jalen Brunson delivered a season-high 55 points, including nine crucial points in overtime, as the New York Knicks secured their seventh consecutive victory with a 136-132 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Karl-Anthony Towns also played a key role, contributing 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
This matchup marked the first overtime game for both teams this season, with New York outscoring Washington 17-13 in the extra period.
Brunson, who tallied 42 points after half-time, made two jump shots and converted five free throws in overtime to seal the win.
“I read the game, and then I find a way to impact it,” Brunson explained. “Tonight was scoring, and you’ve gotta find a way.”
In other action, Justin Champagnie set a personal best with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon contributed 22 points for the Wizards.
Slammin’ and Jammin’ ‼️ pic.twitter.com/cW2ctDT1ZO
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 29, 2024
Despite their efforts, Washington fell short of securing back-to-back wins after a narrow 113-110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.
Missing their top scorer Jordan Poole, sidelined with a bruised left hip, the Wizards led for much of the game but were undone by 17 turnovers, which allowed the Knicks to score 26 points off those mistakes.
Brunson’s second-half heroics stood out, particularly in overtime. He made 16 of his 17 free throw attempts and dished out nine assists.
Late in regulation, he converted a three-point play with under a minute left and sank a floater with 11 seconds remaining to tie the game at 119 and push it into overtime.
“It’s great, knowing that I haven’t made a bunch of free throws this year,” Brunson said.
Despite his free throw percentage dipping to 81.1% this season, he added: “I’ve been terrible, but I made it when it was needed.”
The Knicks and Wizards are set to face off again on Monday.
