Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns Achieve Rare NBA Milestone Last Seen with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal

With their backs against the wall in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks needed their star players to shine. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns stepped up big time. Brunson scored 32 points, adding five rebounds and five assists, bouncing back from a quiet second half in Game 4. Towns chipped in with 24 points and 13 rebounds, even after being a game-time decision due to a knee issue. Thanks to their efforts and a stronger defense, New York won 111-94 against Indiana.

Brunson and Towns made history too—becoming the first teammates to score over 20 points in each of the first five games of a conference finals since the legendary duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal did so for the Lakers in 2002.

Series Performance Overview

Here’s a snapshot of their scoring throughout the series:

• Game 1: Brunson 43 | Towns 35 | Result: Lost by 3
• Game 2: Brunson 36 | Towns 20 | Result: Lost by 5
• Game 3: Brunson 23 | Towns 24 | Result: Won by 6
• Game 4: Brunson 31 | Towns 24 | Result: Lost by 9
• Game 5: Brunson 32 | Towns 24 | Result: Won by 17

Brunson’s performance marked his 10th game this postseason with at least 30 points and five assists. Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan have reached this milestone during a single playoff run.

Historical Parallels

In 2002, the Lakers were in a similar spot, facing a 3-2 deficit but went on to win the series in seven games. They eventually swept the Nets to clinch the championship. The 2025 Knicks hope to follow that successful path.

Insights from Experts

Experts believe teamwork and resilience are vital, especially under pressure like this. Sports psychologist Dr. Lisa Williams mentioned, “When stars like Brunson and Towns perform well, it boosts the entire team’s confidence and morale. Their history of success in high-pressure situations can inspire their teammates to elevate their own game.”

Fan Reactions

Fans have been buzzing on social media, expressing hope and excitement. Trending hashtags like #KnicksRiseAgain reflect the fans’ optimistic spirit. One fan tweeted, "Brunson and Towns are the spark we need! Go Knicks!"

As the 2025 playoffs continue, all eyes will be on whether the Knicks can keep this momentum and write their own championship narrative. For more insights on the NBA playoffs, visit CBS Sports.

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