Knicks Pacers score Jalen Brunson 44 points New York Game 5 win

Knicks bounce back with 44-point explosion from Jalen Brunson to take 3-2 series lead against Pacers in NBA playoffs.

The New York Knicks made a strong comeback after a devastating loss to secure a 3-2 series lead against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA playoffs. Jalen Brunson was the star of the show, exploding for an impressive 44 points to lead the Knicks to a dominant 121-91 victory in Game 5. With this win, the Knicks are now just one victory away from reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.

After suffering a blowout defeat in Game 4, where the Pacers led by as much as 43 points, the Knicks turned the tables in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers will now have to fight to keep their season alive in Game 6 as the series moves back to Indianapolis, where they have been undefeated in the playoffs.

Jalen Brunson's exceptional performance in Game 5 was a sight to behold, as he scored 44 points on 34 shots. This marked the fifth time in the current playoff run that Brunson has scored over 40 points, putting him in elite company. While legends like Jerry West and LeBron James hold the record for eight 40-point games in a single playoff run, Brunson's impressive run in the second round shows his potential to achieve greatness.

Coach Tom Thibodeau's decision to keep Brunson on the court for 46 minutes paid off, as the star player showcased his full shotmaking arsenal and dominated the paint. The Pacers' inability to contain Brunson allowed him to run riot and lead the Knicks to victory. On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton's subdued performance was a cause for concern, as the Pacers cannot afford for their franchise player to be a non-factor in such crucial games.

Isaiah Hartenstein's historic performance with 12 offensive rebounds in a playoff game highlighted the Knicks' dominance on the boards, leading to a significant advantage in shot attempts. The Knicks' relentless pursuit of second-chance opportunities and the Pacers' turnovers were key factors in the lopsided victory.

In Game 5, role players like Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Alec Burks stepped up to support Brunson, contributing crucial points and three-pointers. Thibodeau's strategic decision to go smaller for more shooting paid off, with Burks making a remarkable comeback after being out of the rotation in the previous series.

Overall, the Knicks' collective effort and resilience in Game 5 showcased their determination to advance in the playoffs. With one more win needed to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks will look to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive run.