On April 19, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs continued. In today's Battle of the Western Focus, the Lone Rangers' home team ushered in the Jazz's challenge. After 48 minutes of fierce competition, the Lone Rangers defeated the Jazz 110:104, and the series was 1:1!
In the absence of Doncic, the Lone Rangers stubbornly won the victory today, and one person in the team was indispensable. He was Brunson. In the whole game, Brunson played 41 minutes, 15 of 25 shots, including 6 of 10 three-pointers, 5 of 7 free throws, a total of 41 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals, the Lone Rangers, although narrowly won, but Brunson's plus-minus reached +15, which is enough to see the importance of Brunson to the Lone Rangers.
In the first quarter, Brunson was in full swing. He quickly made a basket, and with 8:09 to 7:14 left in the quarter, Brunson hit three consecutive three-pointers at 45 degrees on the left in just 51 seconds, setting off a 9-2 offensive surge, and the Lone Rangers also took an eight-point lead, which was the biggest lead the Lone Rangers had ever taken in today's game. In the first quarter alone, Brunson shot 6-of-7, including 3-of-4 three-pointers and 15 points and 2 steals!
In the second quarter, Brunson's hand dropped, and he had 6 points and 2 assists on just 2-of-7 shooting in the quarter. But after moving into the second half, Brunson quickly regained his grip, hitting consecutive long-range shots from 45 degrees on the right side, and also scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the quarter.
In the crucial final quarter, the Lone Rangers trailed by six points at one point, and it was Brunson who stepped forward, and he shot three consecutive shots to lead the team to a wave of 15:3 to surpass the score. By this time Brunson had scored 38 points, setting a career high! In the first half of the final game, Brunson hit two free throws to get his 40th point, and the Lone Rangers also won steadily!
It should be noted that Brunson scored 41 points today to create the first 40+ in this year's playoffs, which also helped him to climb the national hot search! The Lone Rangers also refused to get caught in a 0-2 no-go situation, seeing hope of qualifying.
According to the schedule, the third leg of the two teams will be played on April 22, and the Lone Rangers will travel to the away game to challenge the Jazz.