The Knicks are back on track for their return home! In front of their audience, Tom Thibodeau's men delivered a performance close to perfection given the context with the numerous injuries. Guided by a great Jalen Brunson, they won a big victory, by 30 points, in order to regain control in the series.
The Pacers were the first to draw thanks to 3-pointers from the Haliburton-Turner pair and the successful entries of Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell (16-22). We could then fear the worst and fear a difficult match for the Knicks. It has not happened !
The locals responded with a 15-3 with Miles McBride and Isaiah Hartenstein to accompany an already hot Josh Hart (31-25). Then it was the Jalen Brunson “Show” in the second quarter that allowed the Knicks to drive home the point. The leader planted 18 of his 44 points over the period and NYC went through a 9-0 run concluded by Josh Hart in transition to reach an 18-point lead (65-47).
Jalen Brunson focused until the end
Indiana tried to put the pressure back on after the locker room (69-54) and almost succeeded when Myles Turner lined up three 3-point baskets in quick succession to bring his team to -7 (70-63). But the response from the Knicks was terrible!
The New Yorkers in fact delivered a terrible 19-1 in response, with in turn two 3-point baskets for Miles McBride and Jalen Brunson, but also a huge tap dunk from Donte Divincenzo, until the lay- up from Josh Hart to make it 89-64. The Knicks' Ironman finished the third quarter in his own way, going for his own offensive rebound in front of the entire opposing defense in order to maintain the euphoria in an enchanted MSG 12 minutes from time (96-75).
Pascal Siakam's 8 points in less than two minutes in addition to TJ McConnell's 2+1 were not enough to restart the Pacers' machine (96-84). Alec Burks from afar and Jalen Brunson three times with a 2+1 to finish then calmed the last ardor of Rick Carlisle's men (106-86). Until the end, the Knicks kept up the pace, ultimately winning 121-91. See you Friday for Game 6!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Jalen Brunson’s boss game. The Knicks leader seems to have completely recovered from his foot scare, or is coping very well with it. In this Game 5, it was he who dominated in his long-distance duel with Tyrese Haliburton. Jalen Brunson notably carried his team in the second quarter with 18 points, but was also valuable in the last act with his three baskets in a row including a 2+1 which allowed New York to secure the victory. He finished three points shy of his career record in the playoffs.
– The X Factors for New York. Even diminished, the Knicks won the battle of the lieutenants. Obviously, new faces emerge, but above all, they have risen to the occasion. This is particularly the case of Alec Burks, who confirmed with 18 points or Miles McBride, valuable from afar (17 points). And what about Isaiah Hartenstein's rebounding performance in the absence of Mitchell Robinson. The pivot grabbed 17 rebounds, including 12 offensive ones!
– It was hot with Donte DiVincenzo. The Knicks guard found himself caught in two altercations which resulted in five technical fouls in total. First in the first half, on a dry screen to say the least from Isaiah Jackson who sent him to the mat. Isaiah Hartenstein and Alec Burks reacted badly to Isaiah Jackson and all three took a technical. Then in the third quarter, it was a new clash between Donte DiVincenzo and Myles Turner which almost turned sour after a borderline defense from the inside of Indiana. The two also took their technique.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
