By Brunson Bench Buddy B-Huge.

Although I couldn't find any verification in the reports of this game, I feel certain that Rick Brunson received a standing ovation from the Madison Square Garden crowd upon his entrance into the stadium. After all, New York is where Brunson had some of his biggest games. Remember that time in the 2001 playoffs when the Knicks beat the Raptors and Brunson didn't play a single minute? That was something special.

Brunson's time in New York did serve a special purpose as it was his inside knowledge of the Knicks' game-plan that helped propel the Bulls to victory on this night. It had nothing to do with both starting guards for the Knicks being injured.

With 5:10 remaining in the first quarter Brunson was inserted into the game. The Knicks were up by 7 at the time. In the next five minutes of game time Brunson had 2 assists and 2 steals and by the time Brunson left at the end of the quarter that lead was only 4. Obviously all his time practicing against Howard Eisley helped Brunson gain the edge he needed. Or we could work on the assumption that Howard Eisley sucks but I would never impugn former Knicks GM Scott Layden's player personnel wizardry.

Brunson again got in the game with 2:15 remaining in the third with the game all tied up. Brunson revved up “The Heart Attack” offence again and acquired a point and a foul over the next five minutes. When Brunson left the game for good it was still tied. Brunson's ability to tread water gave Kirk Hinrich a chance to rest and thus was the key to victory in this game. Considering the number of times I've made note of opposing teams going on scoring runs during Brunson's time on the court I'm actually half-serious.