Jalen Brunson Shines Again: Knicks Stay Alive with Thrilling Game 5 Playoff Victory!

Cancún can wait.

The Knicks aren’t ready for the offseason just yet.

In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, they delivered their best performance of the series, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. The Knicks won convincingly, 111-94, against the Pacers at Madison Square Garden.

Facing elimination for the first time this postseason, Coach Tom Thibodeau’s team stepped up. They played with intensity and focus. Their defense was sharp, limiting the Pacers’ fast breaks and dominating the paint.

Jalen Brunson was exceptional, shining in both the first and third quarters. Karl-Anthony Towns also made his mark, scoring crucial points. The Knicks were well-balanced, with every player contributing to this impressive win.

Late in the game, chants of “Knicks in seven!” rang out from the stands. Fans are hopeful for a Game 7 back at Madison Square Garden on Monday.

“Tonight’s game shows how we can respond under pressure,” Towns said. “We’ll need to elevate our game even more in the next match to keep our season alive.”

In this game, the Knicks successfully managed to slow down the Pacers. Just days earlier, Tyrese Haliburton had led Indiana to a stunning 130-point outing against them. In stark contrast, Haliburton struggled this time, failing to score a field goal in the first half and finishing with just eight points.

“Mikal Bridges did a great job keeping him under pressure,” said Josh Hart. “We didn’t have any miscommunications that allowed him open shots, which happened last game.”

This was the Pacers’ lowest-scoring game of the postseason, with their performance marked by frustration. Pascal Siakam, who had been a significant threat in the series, managed only 15 points. The Knicks dominated the paint battle, outscoring Indiana 60-34.

“They played harder than us,” Siakam admitted. “We played hard, but they played harder.”

Brunson led the way with an efficient 32 points and five assists. Towns added a solid 24 points and 13 rebounds. Mitchell Robinson played a key role defensively, while Hart contributed a double-double off the bench.

Brunson’s quick start set the tone. Hitting six of his first seven shots, he helped the Knicks build an early lead. By halftime, they were ahead by 11 with the Pacers shooting only 37.5 percent.

“We need to replicate that first quarter in the next game,” Brunson said.

The Knicks continued their strong defensive efforts into the third quarter, quickly extending their lead. Brunson was instrumental, scoring 10 points early in the period, while Robinson’s defensive plays kept the Pacers on their toes.

As the game progressed, the Knicks widened their lead to 17 points, heading into the final quarter with confidence. Towns noted, “We’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but we need to play consistently over a full game. Tonight was a glimpse of our potential.”

With the series moving back to Indiana, the Knicks are excited yet focused, ready to prove they can advance further.

For updates on the Knicks’ playoff journey, check out NBA’s official site for more information and statistics. The energy and passion of playoff basketball continue to captivate fans across social media, with trending hashtags like #KnicksIn7 inspiring local discussions and national conversations.

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