PHOENIX — Jalen Brunson is eighth 3-point attempt of the night looked a little off the mark early on, bouncing a couple times and hitting the rim before finally falling.
The sixth-year guard was so hot off the field that the role of a shooter almost seemed unfair. He got it anyway.
Brunson scored a career-high 50 points while hitting all nine of his 3-point attempts, Julius Randle added 23 and the New York Knicks beat the Phoenix Suns 139-122 on Friday night.
It was an outstanding shooting display from Jalen Brunson, who made 17 of 23 shots, including 12 of 12 in the second half. His last 3 brought him to 50 points for the night. He also had five steals.
“I had no idea,” Brunson said of his feat from long range. “I was just playing for free.”
Brunson is the first Knicks player in franchise history to score 50 points while making nine 3s.
Phoenix — which lost star guard Bradley Beal to an ankle injury in the first quarter — has dropped six of its last eight. New York has won two of three.
“They made shots and just 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 held a 99-97 lead heading into the fourth. Brunson kept the Knicks close with 19 points in the quarter on 7-for-7 shooting, including five 3-pointers.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said the way he shot the ball was special.
The Knicks went on a 13-4 run early in the fourth and never relinquished the lead, pulling away in the final minutes.
Durant scored 29 points to lead the Suns. Devin Booker added 28.
Durant scored 17 points in the first half, giving the Suns a 68-63 halftime lead. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 15.
Bell was hurt after taking a 3-point shot in the first quarter, which he made, but fell to the feet of New York’s Donte DiVincenzo, who was called for a flagrant 1 foul as he replaced Bell. It was not allowed to come. .
The 30-year-old guard was writhing in pain on the ground for several minutes. He finally got up to make his free throw, but then went to the locker room.
It’s another setback for Bell, who has missed most of this season with a back injury. It also means the Suns could be without a member of their All-Star trio for another extended period. Durant, Booker and Bell had only played in one game this season before Friday.
Suns coach Frank Vogel said it was a sprained ankle and X-rays were negative.
Injuries are part of the game, Vogel said. “I’m disappointed for him. You can see the disappointment in his face from the back. That’s my biggest concern, picking him up. He’ll be back soon, but it’s been a frustrating injury season for him. Is.”
Honor of Marion
Sean Marion was awarded a spot in the Suns Ring of Honor after the game.
Marion — a four-time All-Star — spent the first 8 1/2 seasons of his career with the Suns, teaming with fellow stars Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash to advance to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006.
Marion averaged 18.4 points and 10 rebounds with the Suns.
