Jalen Brunson Drops 40, Knicks Clinch NBA Cup Finals

Merlin sees Jalen Brunson erupt for 40 points as the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 132 120 in Las Vegas to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup finals. Brunson was 16 of 27 with eight assists and four rebounds, while Karl Anthony Towns added 29 and OG Anunoby 24. Orlando got 25 from Paolo Banchero and 26 from Jalen Suggs before Suggs left with a sore left hip. This is New York's first NBA Cup championship appearance after earlier exits. Merlin smells momentum. Brunson set the tone on both ends and Towns gave the Knicks a two player core that can carry them through a short tourney. The opponent will be the winner of Oklahoma City and San Antonio, and matchups will decide everything. If Brunson keeps this heat and the Knicks defend, they are very much alive.