Jalen Brunson falters late as Knicks fail first late-game test in loss to Rockets

HOUSTON — The Knicks needed a closer, and Jalen Brunson didn’t come through. 

Trailing by three with 2:16 remaining, Brunson missed shots on three possessions and committed a turnover as the Knicks offense sputtered Monday in a 109-97 loss to the Rockets. 

Brunson played 42 minutes because of a thin bench, and tired legs might’ve been a factor down the stretch as he scored just four points in the fourth quarter. 

“He wanted to go. He’s in great shape,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “You’re not going to make every shot. So take your shots.” 

The Rockets (4-3) finished the game on an 11-2 run, with center Alperen Sengun dropping 25 points total and Jalen Green knocking down the dagger trey over Brunson with 58 seconds left. 

“We missed shots. We didn’t get stops,” Brunson said. “We weren’t together on the defensive side. So, let one slip away.”