Tuesday NBA playoff takeaways Knicks Nuggets series leads

New York Knicks fans chant "Knicks in six" as they take a 3-2 series lead; Jalen Brunson's 44-point game leads Nuggets.

The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric as New York Knicks fans erupted into a "Knicks in six!" chant during the closing minutes of Game 5, which resulted in a resounding 121-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers, propelling them to a 3-2 series lead.

Jalen Brunson showcased his year-long dominance by delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 44 points, seven assists, and four rebounds on 18-of-35 shooting. This marked Brunson's fifth 40-point game of the playoffs, solidifying his status as a standout player.

With this win, New York is on the brink of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the next game.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić displayed a masterclass performance in the Denver Nuggets' 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Jokić's exceptional performance included 40 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, showcasing his dominance on the court.

The Nuggets now lead the series 3-2, putting the Timberwolves in a precarious position as they face the possibility of losing four straight games to the defending champions.

Despite the speculation surrounding the Knicks' energy levels and Coach Tom Thibodeau's coaching strategies, the main factor that impacted the team's performance was Brunson's health. Suffering from a foot injury early in the series, Brunson struggled to showcase his usual prowess on the court, affecting the team's overall performance.

Brunson's ability to create space and navigate the court is crucial for the Knicks' success, as evident in his standout performance in Game 5 against the Pacers. When Brunson is at his best, the Knicks thrive, highlighting the pivotal role he plays in the team's success.

In a game marked by turnovers and missed opportunities, the Pacers found themselves trailing early on despite a strong start. The Knicks capitalized on offensive rebounds and turnovers, building a significant lead by halftime that proved insurmountable for the Pacers.

As the series progresses, the Timberwolves face a formidable challenge in containing Jokić, who has been relentless in his offensive prowess. With Gobert struggling to contain Jokić in Game 5, the Timberwolves must regroup and strategize effectively to force a Game 7.

Overall, the recent games have showcased the resilience and skill of key players like Brunson and Jokić, setting the stage for an intense and thrilling conclusion to the series. As the teams gear up for the next games, fans can expect high-stakes matchups and intense competition as they vie for a spot in the conference finals.