Jalen Brunson’s 13-Point Performance Ends in Disappointment as Knicks Suffer Preseason Loss

The New York Knicks may be the reigning NBA champions, but their latest preseason outing proved that even the best teams still have work to do before the real action begins. Jalen Brunson finished with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent New York from suffering a narrow defeat against the Washington Wizards.

For Knicks fans, preseason results are not necessarily a reason to panic. However, when your team is preparing to defend an NBA championship, every performance offers something worth examining. And although Brunson showed flashes of his usual scoring ability, the final result left New York with plenty to think about.

The Knicks fell 111–109 to Washington in a competitive contest that featured multiple lead changes and plenty of back-and-forth action. It was the sort of game that reminded everyone how quickly momentum can shift in basketball.

Brunson delivers offensively, but Knicks fall short

Brunson finished the game with 13 points, shooting six of 12 from the field. He also recorded three assists and a steal in just over 20 minutes on the court.

His shooting performance was a mixed bag. While he converted half of his field-goal attempts, he struggled from beyond the arc, making just one of six three-point attempts. He also missed his only free-throw attempt.

Those numbers are hardly disastrous for a player working his way through preseason preparations. Nevertheless, they show that there is still room for improvement as the Knicks continue building toward the regular season.

Brunson remains one of the most important players on New York’s roster. His ability to create shots, control the tempo and make decisions under pressure will be essential if the franchise hopes to remain among the NBA’s elite.

The Knicks will need him to be sharp when competitive basketball begins to matter most. But preseason is precisely where players can work through shooting struggles, experiment with different combinations and regain their rhythm without the pressure of regular-season standings.

And that is why the result needs to be viewed in the proper context.

Washington refuses to back down

The Wizards deserve credit for making the contest competitive until the final buzzer.

Washington secured the 111–109 victory after gradually working its way back into the game. The Knicks held a 63–57 advantage at halftime, suggesting that New York had established some control over the contest.

However, Washington responded after the break.

The Wizards outscored the Knicks 24–21 in the third quarter before winning the fourth quarter 30–25. That late push ultimately proved decisive, turning a six-point halftime deficit into a two-point victory.

Anthony Davis led Washington with 16 points, while Trae Young added 15. AJ Dybantsa also contributed 11 points as the Wizards found enough offensive production to overcome New York.

The game featured 12 lead changes and 12 ties, underlining just how closely contested the matchup was.

For Washington, beating the reigning champions in preseason will provide encouragement. Even though exhibition results should never be treated as definitive evidence of what a team will accomplish during the regular season, competitive performances can help build confidence.

For New York, meanwhile, the defeat offers an opportunity to identify areas that need attention before the games start counting.

The Knicks have bigger priorities than a preseason defeat

It would be easy to overreact to a two-point loss, especially for supporters who expect the Knicks to remain championship contenders.

But preseason basketball serves a different purpose from the playoffs.

Coaches must evaluate players, experiment with lineups and manage workloads. Established stars do not necessarily need to play heavy minutes or produce spectacular statistical performances in every exhibition game.

Brunson’s 20 minutes on the court were part of that process.

The Knicks need their leading players healthy and ready for the challenges ahead. Winning a preseason game is nice, but arriving at the start of the regular season in good physical condition and with a clear understanding of their roles is considerably more important.

That is especially true for a team carrying the expectations that come with being defending champions.

New York’s championship success has raised the standard. Opponents will be eager to challenge the Knicks, and every team will be looking for ways to expose weaknesses in their game.

The Knicks therefore need to use these early contests to sharpen their execution, improve defensive communication and establish the chemistry required to compete at the highest level.

A narrow defeat does not erase what this team has achieved, but it can still provide valuable lessons.

Brunson’s recovery adds another layer to the story

Brunson also enters the new campaign following an offseason that included surgery on his left wrist in July.

He was cleared to return fully to basketball activities in September, giving the Knicks a positive development as they prepared for the new season.

His health will be a major factor in New York’s championship defence. Brunson’s offensive responsibilities make him central to the team’s identity, and his ability to attack the basket, create opportunities for teammates and deliver in important moments remains one of the Knicks’ biggest strengths.

During the 2025–26 regular season, he averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game across 74 appearances. He subsequently helped New York capture the NBA championship and earned Finals MVP honours.

Those achievements explain why expectations remain so high.

Brunson has already demonstrated that he can perform when the pressure is at its greatest. A relatively quiet preseason performance should not suddenly change that assessment.

At the same time, the Knicks will want him to continue finding his rhythm and building confidence as the regular season approaches.

The priority is not to prove everything in October’s exhibition games. It is to ensure that the team is prepared when the opportunity to defend its title officially arrives.

What comes next for New York?

The Knicks have more preseason games to work through before opening their regular-season campaign against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20.

Those remaining contests will give the coaching staff further opportunities to assess the roster and make adjustments.

Brunson will be expected to remain a central figure, but New York’s championship ambitions will depend on contributions throughout the team. The supporting cast must provide consistent scoring, the defence must hold up against quality opposition, and the entire group must find ways to close out tight games.

The defeat against Washington showed that even a strong start does not guarantee a victory. New York led at halftime but could not maintain its advantage over the final two quarters.

That is something worth addressing, even if the result itself carries limited significance.

Ultimately, the Knicks have earned the benefit of the doubt after reaching the summit of the NBA. One preseason loss is not a crisis, and Brunson’s 13-point performance should not be mistaken for a warning sign on its own.

Still, championship teams cannot afford to become complacent. Every game offers an opportunity to improve, and the Knicks will want to make the most of the time remaining before the season begins.

Do you think the Knicks can defend their NBA championship this season, or should fans be concerned about what they have shown in preseason?