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Jalen Brunson carried the New York Knicks past the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, and in the process reached a career landmark that underlines how much his arrival has reshaped the franchise. His efficient, fearless scoring performance not only snapped Chicago’s unbeaten start but also pushed Brunson into a new scoring tier that few second-round picks ever reach.
Brunson’s big night and the milestone that matters
Brunson finished the game with a team-high 31 points, hitting 10 of 22 shots from the floor and going 4-for-11 from long range. The Knicks beat the Bulls 128-116, handing Chicago its first loss of the season.
The 31 points pushed Brunson past the 9,000-career-point mark. He now sits at 9,008 career points — a notable achievement for a player who began his NBA journey as a second-round pick.
Quick facts from the victory
- Final score: Knicks 128, Bulls 116.
- Brunson’s line: 31 points on 10-22 FG, 4-11 3PT.
- Career milestone: Surpassed 9,000 career points.
- Knicks points from Brunson: 5,722 of his career total have come while wearing New York’s uniform.
How Brunson’s rise changed the Knicks’ trajectory
New York signed Brunson in free agency three years ago. Since then, the team has reached the playoffs in each season he’s been with them.
The guard’s development into the Knicks’ clear go-to scorer was not guaranteed. He had standout moments with the Dallas Mavericks, but his role in New York elevated him to a different level of visibility and responsibility.
Brunson is under contract through at least the 2027-28 season, giving the franchise long-term continuity at its most important offensive position.
What the win means for the Knicks’ early-season fortunes
New York’s start to the 2025-26 season has been uneven. The team made a high-profile coaching change before the season, replacing Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown. That transition has produced mixed results and some expected growing pains.
Prior to facing Chicago, the Knicks had dropped three straight games. Sunday’s victory halted that skid and could mark a turning point in a schedule that includes back-to-back tests.
- Coach: Mike Brown, new this season.
- Recent form: Ended a three-game losing streak with the Bulls win.
- Next challenge: A follow-up game against the Washington Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back.
Brunson’s role in New York’s identity and future expectations
The Knicks built around Brunson’s scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Opponents now plan for him on every possession, and he routinely draws the toughest defensive attention.
His ability to deliver high-volume scoring nights will determine how far New York can go this season. The Eastern Conference looks more wide-open than in recent years, and consistent production from Brunson could tilt tight games in the Knicks’ favor.
Sunday’s performance reaffirmed Brunson as the Knicks’ cornerstone scorer, and the 9,000-point milestone adds a tangible chapter to his career narrative in Gotham.
