Brunson sets records from deep, drops career-high 50 in Knicks’ win

Jalen Brunson's eighth 3-point attempt of the night initially looked a little out of place, hitting the side of the rim before bouncing several times and ultimately going through.

He was so hot on the court that a shooter's throw almost seemed unfair. He got it anyway.

Brunson, a sixth-year guard, scored a career-high 50 points on all nine of his 3-point attempts, Julius Randle added 23 and the New York Knicks beat the Phoenix Suns 139-122 Friday night.

It was a brilliant shooting display from Brunson, who made 17 of 23 shots, including 12 of 12 in the second half. His last 3 earned him 50 points for the night. He also had five interceptions.

“I had no idea,” Brunson said of his long-range perfection. “I was just playing for free.”

Brunson is the first Knicks player to score 50 points while making nine 3s. He is also the first player to make 8 of 8 from 3-point range in a half in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Research. Information.

Brunson is just the fourth player in Knicks history to record a 50-point game on 70 percent shooting, joining franchise legends Patrick Ewing, Bernard King and Willis Reed.

Phoenix – which lost star guard Bradley Beal to an ankle injury in the first quarter – has lost six of its last eight games. New York has won two of its last three.

“They made shots and got hot and aggressive,” Suns star Kevin Durant said. “They killed us in the pick and roll and that was the game.”

The Suns led by 10 midway through the third quarter, but settled for a 99-97 lead heading into the fourth. Brunson kept the Knicks close with 19 points in the quarter on 7-of-7 shooting, including five 3-pointers.

“The way he shot the ball was special,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.