Knicks need a vintage Jalen Brunson performance in Game 4 to keep season afloat

As with everything good that’s happened for the Knicks this year, that starts with Brunson, their engine and most valuable player. What’s in their favor is this: he knows it, and he relishes it. Just go back the last two playoff seasons and look at what Brunson has done after what could have been soul-crushing losses:

Last year after the Mavericks lost Game 1 at home to the Jazz, Brunson had 41 points and five assists, kick-starting the Mavs into what became a six-game win. A round later, down 2-0 to Phoenix he went for 28 and five in a Game 3 win that salvaged the season, and then for 24 on 11-for-19 shooting in Game 7, on the road.

This year? The Knicks were trounced in Game 2 by Cleveland — a game not unlike the beating they absorbed Saturday — and Brunson’s 21 points, six assists and plus-20 rating carried the day. And after the Heat beat the Knicks in Game 1, Brunson was especially devastating late, carrying the team with 30 points and one big-time shot after another.

And while he was seen limping at the end of Game 3, when that was brought to his attention he didn’t even wait for the last words of the question: “I’m all good. I’ll be ready for Game 4.”Jalen Brunson said the Knicks “have to respond again” after their Game 3 loss.

Precisely where they go will be defined in these 48 minutes Monday. Win and they can expect to find Madison Square Garden raw and rabid and ready Wednesday, hoping to drag the Knicks even closer to next round; lose and that Garden will sound as most New York sporting cathedrals sound in such moments: loud, but with more than a whiff of dread in the air. Because everyone will be aware of the long odds against the home team.If they can, if they do, it will be No. 11 with the loudest voice of all.

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