Brunson’s Late Heroics Lift Knicks Past Pelicans, 130–125.

NEW ORLEANS — Jalen Brunson delivered a standout performance Monday night, finishing with 28 points and 10 assists as the New York Knicks rallied late to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans, 130–125. Brunson sealed the victory in the final minutes, knocking down a driving floater and a layup in the last 1:06 to push the Knicks ahead for good. New York has now won three consecutive games. OG Anunoby contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards. Mohamed Diawara made a strong impression in just his third career start, scoring a career-high 18 points after never previously scoring more than five in a game. The Pelicans were led by Zion Williamson, who recorded a season-high 32 points in the loss, New Orleans’ fourth straight defeat. Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole each scored 26 points, and Trey Murphy III chipped in 21. The game remained tightly contested throughout, with neither team building a lead larger than 10 points. Both squads shot at least 50 percent from the field in the first half, and New Orleans carried a narrow 75–72 advantage into halftime. With 3:36 remaining, the score was tied at 117 following consecutive three-pointers from Poole and Brunson. Shortly after, Brunson grabbed his own missed shot and converted a running floater to give New York a three-point lead.

Following Williamson’s free throws, Brunson attacked the rim for a layup, and Deuce McBride iced the game by converting four free throws in the final seconds.

Bey scored 23 of his points in the opening quarter, while Diawara tallied 13 in the same period for New York. Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado did not play due to a two-game suspension stemming from an altercation earlier in the week. The Knicks will travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans head to Chicago to take on the Bulls.