Mike Brown Calls Jalen Brunson’s Lack of Free Throws 'Alarming' in Knicks Loss

Jalen Brunson recorded 27 points but zero free throw attempts during the New York Knicks' 115-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 115-107 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, ending New York’s four-game winning streak. According to ESPN, Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed frustration over a free throw disparity that saw Jalen Brunson finish with zero attempts despite playing 34 minutes. Brunson entered the contest averaging a career-high 7.8 attempts per game.

Cleveland finished 20-of-25 from the charity stripe, led by James Harden, who converted 9-of-11 free throws to reach a season-high 32 points. In contrast, the Knicks were a perfect 11-of-11 as a team. Brown noted that the advantage reached 18-3 in favor of the Cavaliers at one point during the game.

Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points on 12-of-23 shooting from the field. This performance followed a 7-of-18 shooting night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Other New York contributors included Landry Shamet and Miles McBride, who combined for seven 3-pointers. Josh Hart returned from a three-game absence due to illness and a right ankle injury to score six points.

Mikal Bridges played 17 minutes and did not appear in the fourth quarter. Bridges, who is averaging 6.3 points on 32.9% shooting this season, saw his time limited as Brown prioritized the play of Shamet and McBride. Despite the shooting slump, Brown stated that moving Bridges out of the starting lineup would be a "panic decision."