Friday night’s Knicks win got off to a roaring start, with two stars trading haymakers in what was a first quarter for the ages thanks to Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell.
Brunson, the Knicks’ big free agent signing, and Mitchell, New York’s big trade splash that never materialized, went toe-to-toe in a historic display of shot making, as the two combined for 44 points in the first period of play, with Brunson pouring in 21 points while shooting 8-for-11 from the floor, and Mitchell countering with 23 while shooting 9-for-10 from the field.
For Brunson, the 21 first-quarter points were the most he has ever scored in a single quarter in his NBA career, while Mitchell’s barrage helped the Cavaliers finish the first with 47 points, the most the franchise has ever scored in a single quarter. His eight straight made shots is also a personal best to start a game.
Together, the opponents became the first to each score more than 20 points in the first quarter since the 1996-97 season.
Neither player slowed down much after that running start, as Brunson finished with a career-high 48 points while shooting 56.3 percent from the field, and Mitchell finished with 43 points on an incredible 69.6 percent shooting night.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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