MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Jalen Brunson accepted blame after his worst performance as a Knick.
The new point guard, who had performed so well over his first four games, was held to 13 points and two assists in the Knicks’ 119-108 loss to the Bucks on Friday night.
“We started out really slow. A lot of that’s on me,” Brunson said. “I’ve got to do a better job with just coming out and attacking, being who I am. I take full [blame] for that. I’ve got to come out with the intensity and tenacity like I usually do.”
Brunson, hounded by defense-minded guards Jrue Holiday and Jevon Carter, shot just 3-for-10 and committed three turnovers. He struggled to get into the paint and didn’t have many post-up opportunities.
He wasn’t alone, however, in suffering through an off night. RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, the Knicks’ other top scorers, weren’t much better. Barrett scored a team-high 20 points, but went just 1-for-7 from deep. Randle was held to 14 points on 3-for-10 shooting along with three turnovers.
“We were just playing catch-up the whole game,” Brunson said. “If we start the way we usually start, I think it will be a different game.”
Quentin Grimes (sore left foot) remained out. The second-year guard worked out before the game, as he has throughout the regular season, but there is still no timetable for his return. Grimes has yet to practice fully since the final preseason game.
“We’ll see, you just [have to] be patient and once he gets [cleared for] contact in practice, see how he feels the next day and then we’ll work him in,” coach Tom Thibodeau said.
For the second time this season, Mitchell Robinson’s minutes were significantly limited by foul trouble. He only played 13 minutes in the opener against the Grizzlies and was on the floor for 20 minutes on Friday.
The Bucks were without star wing Khris Middleton (wrist), starting guard Pat Connaughton (calf) and forward Joe Ingles (left knee).
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