The atmosphere in Madison Square Garden was electric on Tuesday night as the New York Knicks staged a powerful comeback in Game 5 of their second-round NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. After a demoralizing defeat in Game 4, where they lost by a staggering 43 points, the New York Knicks not only regained their footing but took a decisive 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a commanding 121-91 victory.
Jalen Brunson was nothing short of spectacular, racking up an awe-inspiring 44 points, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the New York Knicks’ playoff run. This victory inches the Knicks closer to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since the year 2000, setting the stage for an intense Game 6 back in Indianapolis, where the Pacers have remained unbeaten in these playoffs.
Jalen Brunson: From Recovery to Record-Breaking
“Either Brunson’s foot healed between Games 4 and 5 or he just decided to go Superman in spite of the pain,” as observed in the heat of the game. Brunson, who was somewhat restrained in Game 4, scoring 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting, erupted for 44 points on 34 shots in Game 5.
His 28 points in the first half not only set a personal record but also marked the highest score in any half by a New York Knicks player in a playoff game during the play-by-play era (since 1996-97).
Brunson’s outstanding performance places him among the elite, joining the ranks of LeBron James, Jerry West, Michael Jordan, and other legends with multiple 40-point playoff games in a single postseason. His relentless scoring, critical in keeping the New York Knicks’ hopes alive, was emphasized by Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s decision to keep him on the court for 46 minutes, hardly giving him any rest.
A Tough Night for Pacers’ Haliburton
While Brunson shone brightly, Tyrese Haliburton struggled significantly on the Pacers’ side. Haliburton, who had previously scored 89 points across Games 2 to 4, was limited to just 13 points and five assists, taking only nine shots in Game 5. The game was practically out of reach by the mid-third quarter, highlighting a concerning performance for a player regarded as a franchise cornerstone.
The New York Knicks’ Unsung Heroes and the Battle of the Boards
Isaiah Hartenstein also made headlines by joining an exclusive group of players with 12 offensive rebounds in a playoff game, a list that includes legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Moses Malone. Hartenstein’s dominance on the glass was a key factor in the New York Knicks’ ability to take significantly more shots than the Pacers—101 to 72, respectively.
The collective effort was evident as Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Alec Burks together contributed 53 points and 10 three-pointers. Coach Thibodeau’s strategic decision to start McBride in place of Precious Achiuwa proved to be a masterstroke, enhancing the team’s shooting and spacing, which allowed Brunson more room to maneuver.
Looking Ahead: Game 6 and Beyond
As the series heads back to Indianapolis for Game 6, the Pacers are faced with the daunting task of containing a rejuvenated New York Knicks team. The Knicks, on the other hand, are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, a stage they haven’t seen in over two decades.
With their all-hands-on-deck approach and the momentum from Game 5, the New York Knicks are poised for what could be a historic victory in their storied franchise history.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and as the Knicks edge closer to a potential playoff breakthrough, all eyes will be on Jalen Brunson and his remarkable postseason journey, wondering if he can continue his explosive performance and lead his team through the gauntlet of the NBA playoffs.
