“Pacers might actually choke” – Fans ride behind Jalen Brunson and Knicks after spectacular effort forces Game 6

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks made a Game 5 stand on Thursday at Madison Square Garden to beat the Indiana Pacers 111-94. Brunson came out hot, firing 14 points in the first quarter to give the Knicks a lead they would never relinquish. The win kept their season alive and forced Game 6 in Indianapolis on Saturday.

Fans promptly reacted to Brunson’s performance and the Knicks’ season-saving win.

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Jalen Brunson sustained his hot start and finished the game with 32 points behind 12-for-18 shooting, including 4-for-7 from deep. He added five assists and had a hand in slowing down Tyrese Haliburton, who tallied eight points.

As efficient as the New York Knicks were on offense, the defense stole the limelight in Game 5. Tom Thibodeau’s strategy limited the Pacers to 90 points, their worst in the NBA playoffs this season. Before the measly output, Indiana never failed to breach the century mark in 14 postseason games.

The win cut the Indiana Pacers’ lead to 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals. Jalen Brunson and his teammates survived on Thursday but still need to overcome the Pacers again in two nights inside a hostile arena. If the Knicks stay alive, they will force a Game 7 in front of their rabid home fans.

Knicks rode on another vintage night from Jalen Brunson to force Game 6

With the New York Knicks’ season on the line, their captain delivered when needed. Jalen Brunson dazzled with his scoring and carved up the Indiana Pacers’ defense with his playmaking. Brunson only had five assists, but the lefty guard efficiently ran the offense.

Brunson’s 32-point output is his 21st in the playoffs in a Knicks uniform, per StatMuse. He has the most 30-point postseason games in franchise history, leading the legendary Patrick Ewing by three games. Karl-Anthony Towns, the only active player playing for the Knicks, is ninth with two 30-point games.

More than a spot in the pantheon of franchise greats, Jalen Brunson played his best in the series to help his team stave off elimination. History continues to beckon at the point guard when the Knicks go to Indiana for another win-or-go-home showdown on Saturday.

The Knicks look to have another vintage night from their captain to extend the series.

About the author

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Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael’s background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich’s genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael’s reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael’s children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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