Jalen Brunson's explosive performance propelled the New York Knicks to a commanding 121-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their second-round NBA playoff series. Brunson's 44-point outburst, combined with stellar contributions from his teammates, has given the Knicks a 3-2 series lead and brought them within one win of their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 2000. #knicks #pacers #jalenbrunson
After suffering a demoralizing blowout loss in Game 4, where the Pacers dominated with a 43-point lead, the Knicks bounced back with a vengeance in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers, now trailing in the series, will look to stave off elimination in Game 6, set to take place in Indianapolis, where they remain undefeated in these playoffs.
Here are four key takeaways from the Knicks' Game 5 victory:
Jalen Brunson's Heroics: Brunson's remarkable performance saw him explode for 44 points on 34 shots, with 28 points coming in the first half alone. His scoring prowess has been a consistent highlight throughout the playoffs, marking his fifth 40-point game of the postseason. Brunson's relentless attacking and shotmaking prowess proved too much for the Pacers to handle, with his coach, Tom Thibodeau, opting to keep him on the floor for 46 minutes.
Haliburton's Disappointment: Despite high expectations, Tyrese Haliburton struggled to make an impact, finishing with just 13 points on nine shots. His lackluster performance was a stark contrast to his previous contributions in the series, raising concerns about his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Hartenstein's Dominance: Isaiah Hartenstein's dominance on the boards was instrumental in the Knicks' victory, as he secured 12 offensive rebounds, joining elite company in NBA history. His relentless pursuit of second-chance opportunities created significant scoring advantages for New York, highlighting the importance of rebounding in determining the outcome of the game.
Team Effort: The Knicks showcased their depth and resilience with contributions from multiple players, including Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Alec Burks, who combined for 53 points and provided crucial offensive firepower. Coach Thibodeau's strategic adjustments, such as starting McBride for added shooting and spacing, paid dividends, demonstrating the team's ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
With the series momentum now in their favor, the Knicks are poised to close out the series and secure their spot in the Eastern Conference finals. As anticipation builds for Game 6, fans can expect another intense battle as both teams vie for playoff supremacy.
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