Jalen Brunson makes history with 7,000. point in New York

New York Knicks star guardian Jalen Brunson made franchise history during Friday’s 127-98 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. 29 year old exceeded 7,000 points in the first quarter of his 265th game with New York, becoming the fastest player in team history to reach the milestone.

Brunson finished with a game-high 27 points in 31 minutes, shooting 11-of-17 from the field (64.7%), 4-of-6 from three-point range and 1-of-2 at the line. He also contributed seven rebounds and three assists. He scored 22 points in the first quarter, connecting on 9 of 10 shots and all three of his three-point attempts. The 22-point outburst was the second most points in a first quarter in franchise history, one shy of his own record set on Jan. 12, 2025, also against Milwaukee. It was his 10th career 20-point quarter, all as a Knick, and the highest-scoring quarter by a New York player at any point this season.

In 55 games this season, Brunson is averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 47.1% from the floor and 37.6% from three-point range. He finished February averaging 23.8 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 triples and 0.8 steals in 35.6 minutes per game. Since signing with the Knicks as a free agent in 2022 after four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson has earned three straight All-Star selections, two second-team All-NBA honors, and led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years last postseason.

New York shot 21-of-42 (50%) from three-point range and 60% overall in the first half as they built a 77-57 halftime lead. The Knicks forced 16 turnovers that resulted in 19 points and for the 15th time this season all five starters scored in double figures. OG Anunoby scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points and 13 rebounds and Landry Shamet hit five 3-pointers for 15 points.

The Bucks, who had won eight of their previous 10 games and were playing their fifth game in eight days, were without Giannis Antetokounmpo (strained right calf), who missed his 14th straight game.

New York picked up an important win over a sub-.500 Milwaukee team. Next up, the Knicks will host the Western Conference No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.