Jalen Brunson Knicks: Stats, Minutes, Star Urges 'All Out' Effort

Knicks-Sixers series a nail-biter. Heavy minutes load takes a toll. Brunson not worried about workload. Thibodeau embraces playing best players.

The battle between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the first-round series has become a fierce competition. The Knicks currently hold a 3-2 lead in the series but missed a crucial opportunity to close it out in Game 5. Despite leading by six points with just 34 seconds remaining, the Knicks allowed Tyrese Maxey to score six points on his own, ultimately leading to an overtime loss of 112-106 for New York.

Throughout the series, four out of five games have been decided in the final minutes, with the Sixers narrowly outscoring the Knicks by just two total points. The intense nature of the games has taken a toll on the players, with six out of the 10 total starters playing 40 or more minutes in Game 5. This heavy workload was evident in Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who scored 40 points but struggled in overtime, shooting 3-of-8 with two turnovers.

Despite the physical and mental strain of the series, Brunson remains focused on giving his all, disregarding concerns about his minutes load. The Knicks' heavy minutes strategy, a trademark of coach Tom Thibodeau, has been credited with helping them compete against the Sixers. Players like Brunson and Josh Hart emphasize the importance of mental toughness and understanding their bodies to succeed in high-stakes games.

Heading into Game 6, the Knicks face challenges as forward Bojan Bogdanovic is sidelined with a season-ending ankle injury. This leaves Thibodeau with a limited rotation, but players like Brunson are prepared to step up and continue giving their all. Despite the odds, the Knicks are determined to fight until the end, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.