Like many across the country this week, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson endured an awkward trip home. Brunson returned to the scene of his first NBA steps on Wednesday, as the Knicks engaged in the penultimate portion of a five-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

The Knicks went 4-for-21 (19.0%) — including 0-for-8 from 3-point range — during the first quarter, after which they trailed, 28-15.

The Knicks should’ve had a great deal on Black Friday against a battered, bottom-dwelling opponent. Instead, they paid full retail price for a 99-98 victory, a performance that required a fourth-quarter comeback as the team’s top disappointment Mikal Bridges watched most of it from the bench.