Brunson, Randle Star in Game 2 Win As Knicks Even Playoff Series With Heat

• The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat in Game 2 on Tuesday
• Jalen Brunson bounced back after a poor shooting performance in Game 1
• Julius Randle was superb in his return from an ankle injury

The New York Knicks evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Miami Heat at one game apiece after recording an impressive 111-105 win on Tuesday night.

Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle starred for the Knicks, combining for 55 points in the Game 2 win.

Brunson made it a point to be aggressive in Game 2 after his disappointing performance in the series opener, where he missed all seven of his 3-point attempts.

Brunson dazzles in fourth quarter

He found his shooting stroke on Tuesday, knocking down six of his ten 3-point attempts in Game 2, per ESPN.

Derrick White scores 26, powers Boston Celtics to Game 2 win over Atlanta Hawks

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He fueled a 14-3 run by the Knicks in the fourth quarter, turning a 93-87 deficit into a 101-96 lead. Brunson scored 10 of his 30 points during that run, helping swing the momentum in New York’s favor.

Randle makes triumphant return

Randle was superb as well in his return from injury. He missed Game 1 because of a sprained left ankle he aggravated in Game 5 of the Knicks’ first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He showed no ill effects of that ankle injury in Game 2, nearly recording a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

Two other starters scored in double figures for the Knicks, who outscored the Heat 35-28 in the fourth quarter.

RJ Barrett finished the game with 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

Josh Hart was one assist shy of a triple-double, scoring 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out nine dimes.

Darius Garland bounces back in Game 2 as Cavaliers tie series with Knicks

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It was a gut-wrenching loss for the Heat, who led 96-93 with less than five minutes remaining despite missing the services of the injured Jimmy Butler.

Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent stepped up in Butler’s absence, scoring 22 and 21 points, respectively.

Embiid wins first MVP award  

Sports Brief recently reported on Joel Embiid winning the MVP award.

He defeated two-time MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic to capture his first MVP trophy.

Embiid got 73 first-place votes and 915 total points.