Knicks' Unbeaten Run: Can Anyone Stop Jalen Brunson Right Now?

Madison Square Garden has been a different kind of place lately. The Knicks are on an eight-game home winning streak, their longest since the 2012-13 season when Carmelo Anthony was dropping 28 points a night. This isn't that team, though. This feels grittier, more defiant, especially with all the injuries they've battled. They’ve gone 14-2 since February 1, a stretch that includes wins over the Celtics, Sixers, and Warriors. That's real.

Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans roll into town. On paper, it looks like another W for New York. The Pels are scuffling, 11th in the West at 25-47, and they’ve lost seven of their last ten. They're missing Zion Williamson, of course, who hasn't played since January. Even without him, though, the Pels have some talent. Brandon Ingram has been balling, putting up 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over his last 15 games. CJ McCollum is still a bucket, averaging 20.7 points for the season. They can score in bunches if you let them.

But here’s the thing: Jalen Brunson has ascended to a whole new level. Since the All-Star break, he’s averaging 31.8 points and 7.1 assists. He dropped 45 points against the Kings last weekend, then followed that up with 34 against the Pistons. He's not just scoring; he's orchestrating, pulling the strings, getting guys like Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart involved. DiVincenzo, by the way, has hit at least five threes in five of his last six games, including a career-high 11 against the Pistons. That kind of shooting takes pressure off everyone.

**Keeping the Garden Roaring**

The Knicks' defense at home has been suffocating during this streak. They're holding opponents to just 104 points per game at MSG over the last eight contests. That's what Tom Thibodeau teams do. They might not always be pretty, but they play hard, and they play physical. Isaiah Hartenstein has been a monster on the boards and as a rim protector, especially with Mitchell Robinson still working his way back. Hartenstein grabbed 12 rebounds in the win over Detroit on Monday, adding 10 points and 6 assists. That kind of all-around effort from your bigs is invaluable.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled on the road this season, with a 10-25 record away from Smoothie King Center. Their offense tends to disappear in hostile environments. They shot just 40.7% from the field in their last road loss to the Thunder. If the Knicks can get out to an early lead and feed off the Garden crowd, it could be a long night for Willie Green's squad.

Look, I'm going to say it: The Knicks are a legitimate contender in the East, even without Julius Randle. Brunson is playing at an MVP level, and the team’s chemistry is undeniable. They've figured out how to win ugly, how to win shorthanded, and how to win when the stakes are high. That’s the mark of a truly good team.

The Pelicans will try to push the pace, but the Knicks are masters at slowing the game down and grinding out possessions. I expect Herb Jones to get the primary assignment on Brunson, and Jones is one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. Still, Brunson finds ways.

Bold prediction: Brunson goes for 35+ tonight, and the Knicks extend their home winning streak to nine games with a comfortable 115-102 victory.