Brunson scores 48, Knicks down Cavs 130-116 without Randle

CLEVELAND(AP) — With All-Star Julius Randle back in New York, the Knicksneeded someone to step up.

Jalen Brunsondid that, and more.

New York’spoint guard scored a career-high 48 points and the Knicks movedcloser to a playoff berth while waiting for Randle to get healthy,outrunning the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-116 on Friday night.

“There isnothing that Jalen does that surprises you,” Knicks coach TomThibodeau said. “He’s so mentally tough. He’s nicked up a littlebit, but he’s a machine. He just keeps going.”

Brunsoncredited his teammates and coaches for his big night, whichincluded seven 3-pointers and nine assists. He finished 18 of 32from the floor.

“They hadconfidence in me and the ball just went through the hole,” saidBrunson, who scored 44 in a loss to Milwaukee on Jan. 9. “I justkept shooting with confidence and that’s just how it went.”

The Knicksreduced their magic number to one in their first game withoutRandle, who sprained his left ankle Wednesday and will miss therest of the regular season. New York hopes he’ll be back for thepostseason and a potential first-round matchup against theCavs.

New York wonthe season series 3-1 and denied Cleveland a chance to lock uphome-court advantage in the first round.

“This losshurts,” said Donovan Mitchell, who led Cleveland with 42 points.“We need to feel it and be ready to use it when the time comes.Obviously, we control our destiny and we’ll probably see these guysin two weeks.

“There is alot of film to go through. But if we let this affect us, we have nochance in the playoffs.”

Leading bythree, the Knicks outscored the Cavs 14-2 to open the fourth andget some breathing room in a game played at a frenetic pace. Theteams combined for 89 points in the first quarter and 151 in thefirst half.

The Cavs gotwithin 123-116 before Brunson put the Cavs away with a layupfollowing a timeout and then a 3-pointer. He missed a floater inthe final seconds that would have given him 50 points.

Did he want50?

“Whowouldn’t?” he said. “I was going to hold the ball out, but theydoubled and I guess that means keep playing. No disrespect to them.They played to the buzzer. I have the most respect in the world forthat coaching staff. You got to keep playing.”

Brunson, whoaverages 23.6 points, scored 33 in a wild first half without muchdefense.

The teamscombined for 89 points in the first quarter, tying the third mostin the first 12 minutes of a game in NBA history. The record of 91is shared by Utah and Denver (1982), and Miami and Washington(2021).

Also,Cleveland’s 47 points in the first quarter were the most in thefranchise’s 53-year history.

The Cavs werewithout two of their top defenders, center Jarrett Allen (groin)and Isaac Okoro (knee).

TEMPER TEMPER

The Knickshad a moment of drama.

During atimeout in the third quarter, New York starters RJ Barrett and ObiToppin got into a shouting match and had to be separated.

Thibodeaudownplayed the conflict.

“The camerasare everywhere and it probably happens more than people realize,”Thibodeau said. “It was the heat of the moment. Sometimes, there isa difference of opinion, but those guys are fine with each other.These things happen.”

Later, in thelocker, Toppin had his arm around a smiling Barrett.

“This is mybrother,” Toppin said. “We’re good.”

RANDLE UPDATE

The Knickswill re-evaluate Randle in two weeks, ahead of the playoffs, whichstart on April 15 or 16.

Thibodeausaid the 30-year-old forward, who started the Knicks’ first 77games, is in good spirits and working toward his return.

“He’s doneall he can to prepare himself to play in every game, which is acredit to him. He doesn’t miss practice. He doesn’t miss games. I’mactually surprised it doesn’t happen more than it does,” Thibodeausaid.

TIP-INS

Knicks: NewYork is one of five East teams — and four in the Atlantic Division— with a winning road record. ... G Derrick Rose (illness) wasunavailable for the third consecutive game. The 14th-year veteranfell out of the rotation in December and has only played 141seconds in 2023.

Cavaliers:Mitchell has 11 games of at least 40 points, breaking the previousteam record for one season held by LeBron James (2005-6). ...Allen, who averages 9.9 rebounds, missed his second straight game.He recently sat out four games with a bruised right eye. ...Cleveland remains two shy of its first 50-win season since2018.

UPNEXT

Knicks: HostWashington on Sunday.

Cavaliers:Host Indiana on Sunday.