The Knicks are proving that Jalen Brunson doesn’t have to carry a team

In recent seasons, the Knicks have not been able to afford subpar or even poor performance from Jalen Brunson.

They would fight if it happened.

That is no longer the case.

The most recent example was the Raptors’ 139-125 loss on Monday.

Brunson was held to 12 points on 4-for-13 shooting and was 0-for-5 from 3-point range.

It didn’t matter.

“I think it’s a blessing that JB doesn’t have to do what he did in the last game for us to get a win like we did Monday,” Karl-Anthony Towns said, referring to Brunson’s 39-point outburst in the previous one The Knicks win over the Pelicans. “It speaks to the growth of this team. He doesn’t need to have the whole city on his back every night.”

The Knicks are 6-1 this year when Brunson doesn’t score 20 points.

The last two seasons were 15-15.

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s team has more offensive options, be it Towns, Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby, among others.

Brunson’s scoring is down at 24.6 points this year compared to 28.7 a year ago, averaging 4.4 fewer shots.

His assists (7.6) have increased by almost one per game and his shooting percentages are also a bit better.

“It’s great. I think it will open up even more opportunities for him,” Bridges said. “If you have to respect everyone, you can’t help much. You’re not helping, it’s going to be hard to protect him. I just try to keep teams honest, so they have to play straight up and then JB will be in kill mode.”

Most importantly, the Knicks exceed last year’s winning pace.

After 29 games, they are 19-10.

At this point last season, they were two games worse at 17-12, falling to 17-15 after 32 games.

Brunson has repeatedly said that all that matters to him is the end result.

So when he was asked about his lowest point after Monday’s win, his answer was what you’d expect.

“I’m just glad we got the win,” the Knicks captain said. “I really don’t give a shit.”

The Knicks plan to re-sign sharpshooting winger Matt Ryan to a two-way contract and waive guard Boo Buie, the team announced.