Jalen Brunson Has A Concerning Stat In Playoffs So Far

The New York Knicks lead their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, 2-0, and the Tri-state area has been energized by the fact that they’re finally a strong team with a strong identity and culture.

The Knicks showed their grit by winning two close, low-scoring games at Madison Square Garden, but this series is far from over.

One thing New York has to be concerned about is Jalen Brunson’s poor shooting — in fact, through two games of this series, he has shot just 16-of-55, which is the lowest field-goal percentage by an NBA player through the first two games of the playoffs in modern NBA history, per StatMamba.

Lowest FG% by a player through the first two games of the playoffs in NBA history:

• 17.6% — Joe Fulks (1948)
• 29.1% — Jalen Brunson (2024) pic.twitter.com/sDXBkuZq1P

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 23, 2024

The account also tweeted the statistical specifics of this assessment.

*Minimum 45 FGA across first 2 games

*234 qualifying players

Here’s how different minimum total FGA requirements would look (min 20 FGA & 30 FGA): pic.twitter.com/IpMoKAgkqi

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 23, 2024

Brunson had a sensational regular season, averaging 28.7 points a game, which was fourth in the league, and it earned him his first All-Star Game nod.

He has been an efficient shooter for most of his six-year pro career, but the 76ers have succeeded in shutting down his normally reliable mid-range game.

The good news for the Knicks is they thrive on winning ugly, and others have stepped up so far in this series.

In particular, fellow starting guard Josh Hart has played well — he has scored over 20 points in both games, and in Game 2 on Monday, he had a monster performance on the boards with 15 rebounds.

Rebounding has been a big key for New York all season, and they are a team that pounds opponents on the boards.

The series will now move down I-95 to Philly for Game 3 and Game 4, and Sixers superstar Joel Embiid has promised that his team will win the series.

For the Knicks to emerge triumphant, Brunson will need to return to form sooner than later.

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Kendrick Perkins Says Knicks Veteran Is ‘Heart And Soul’ Of Team