Jalen Brunson, despite leading the New York Knicks with 19 points on Sunday night, expressed deep dissatisfaction with his performance during a tough 79-72 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I played like dog s–t,” Brunson bluntly confessed to reporters, having shot 6-for-22 from the field. “That’s it.”
Adding to his dismay, Brunson contributed eight assists and three rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Knicks from recording their lowest points total of the season.
This disappointing outing stood out for both the Knicks, who boasted a strong 21-12 record at Madison Square Garden prior to Sunday, and for Brunson individually, who had been held below the 20-point mark only nine times in 58 previous starts.
"I played like dog s**t. That's it."
– Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/JVaoQMGdEZ
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 11, 2024
Acknowledging the need for improvement, Brunson remarked, “I’ve got to be better, as a player, as a leader, to make sure we’re all ready to go, and we weren’t tonight,” according to SNY.
Josh Hart, who also struggled with nine points in the game, echoed Brunson’s sentiments regarding the team’s performance. “We played like s–t,” Hart remarked, citing poor shooting and numerous turnovers, including six or seven of his own.
"We played like s**t"
Josh Hart on what went wrong tonight for the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/ylQSUSV0OB
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 11, 2024
The Knicks faced additional challenges with key starters such as OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and All-Star Julius Randle sidelined. Similarly, the 76ers were without Joel Embiid due to knee surgery and Tyrese Maxey due to a concussion.
Despite the adversity, the Knicks committed 17 turnovers, allowing the shorthanded Philadelphia squad to maintain a lead throughout the game.
This matchup marked the first NBA game since January 2016, in which neither team scored 80 points, according to Basketball Reference.
Looking ahead, Brunson, Hart, and the Knicks aim to rebound from this disappointing loss when they face the 76ers again on Tuesday at MSG. The Sixers currently hold a 2-0 season series lead, but the Knicks will strive to turn the tide in their favor.
