The New York Knicks failed to get a fifth straight win after they were tripped by the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden Arena and big part of that, to many, is the continuing struggle of Jalen Brunson.
The two-time All-Star scored just 15 points in the 117-123 loss and shot 6 out of 21 on the field. He did have 11 assists but he has the worst plus/minus among all starters.
His scoring was absent while Jaylen Brown exploded for 42 points. Derrick White added 22 points. His struggle comes two days after Josh Hart declared that they are now all comfortable with each other in terms of offense.
This is the second straight game that Brunson scored under 20 points and made just one three point shot. Fans got jokes after his poor shooting night.
Jalen Brunson with/without free throws
pic.twitter.com/pH7HQjd1H6— 𝕱𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖙 𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖓 (@ferretallen) December 3, 2025
Jalen Brunson when i bet on him pic.twitter.com/sHXqCK7Zr9
— ronny 🇧🇮 (@notronnyrick) December 3, 2025
Jalen Brunson when he isn’t able to foul bait for points pic.twitter.com/QhpDccBfxl
— Ran (@ranthaadon) December 3, 2025
Jalen Brunson when I put money on him pic.twitter.com/KswHOaFN6Z
— 4kt (@StephsFifthRing) December 3, 2025
Basketball analysts thought this is his worst game in a long while.
“I say, without hesitation, after watching him now for the last couple of years as a member of the New York Knicks – that is one of the worst games I have ever seen Jalen Brunson play.”@john_jastremski joins @emacSNY to discuss Jalen Brunson’s woes in the Knicks’ loss to the… pic.twitter.com/Tzev2YS2SE
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 3, 2025
Jalen Brunson defenders should also get credit
Stopping Brunson is a hard task with how shifty he can be. He has the ability to control the tempo and even his defenders.
That’s what Anfernee Simons anticipated.
Anfernee Simons this morning on guarding Jalen Brunson: “Play with our hands out and not give him his angles…a lot of people give him angles and he takes them. He’s really good at it, drawing fouls or … kick out for 3PT.”
“Easier said than done.”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/bu6kGCZ5pP
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) December 2, 2025
Hugo Gonzalez is another player assigned to limit Brunson and although he is quite young in the league, he made sure that he will not feel intimidated.
“As I said before, like one of the best players in the world. You just gotta not feel intimidated, but don’t underrate them and them at any point because they can spark up and make plays super easy,” the 19-year-old rookie said.
Knicks and Brunson don’t have much time to recuperate as they will return to action not 24 hours after to host the Charlotte Hornets.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
