Brunson’s response? A signature takeover performance. The first-time All-Star starter erupted for 42 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds on 14-of-27 shooting from the field and 9-of-10 from the foul line, leading the Knicks to a 124-118 victory — a bounce-back win after Saturday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and their sixth win in seven games.

Jalen Brunson scored 11 of the final 13 points Monday night for the New York Knicks, who overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to top the visiting Houston Rockets 124-118.

Well, MVPs have a habit of raising their game to another level when co-stars, particularly ones as important as OG Anunoby, are out. And that’s exactly what the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson did.