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NBA Roundup: Knicks Bounce Back to Crush Pacers, Nuggets Maintain Momentum
Jalen Brunson showcased his prowess on Tuesday as the New York Knicks dominated the Indiana Pacers 121-91 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semi-final, seizing a 3-2 lead in the series.
A victory in Friday night’s clash in Indianapolis will propel the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 24 years.
Following a 32-point defeat in Game 4, the Knicks delivered a resounding response, with Brunson leading the charge with 44 points, along with seven assists and four rebounds.
“His willingness to share with his teammates is what sets him apart,” remarked Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “His performance is exceptional, but his leadership qualities elevate us. He comes up big when it matters.”
The Knicks dominated the boards, with Isaiah Hartenstein leading with 17 rebounds (12 offensive), while Josh Hart secured 11 rebounds (nine defensive).
Despite concerns about Brunson’s workload and a foot injury in the previous games, he showed no signs of fatigue, marking his fifth 40-point performance this postseason.
Brunson, who scored only 18 points in the previous game, set a playoff record for the Knicks with 28 first-half points.
His crucial seven-point streak, including a pivotal three-pointer to extend the lead to 20 points at 106-86, ensured the victory.
“He never makes excuses. He never mentions injuries,” Thibodeau added. “When people talk about their injuries, it often sounds like excuses, but he never does that.”
Although the Pacers started strong and led 25-20 initially, the Knicks closed the first quarter with an 11-0 run, leading 38-32. By halftime, they held a commanding 69-54 lead and maintained their dominance.
Thibodeau anticipated his team’s response following the blowout defeat. “They’ve shown their resilience all season. However, we still need one more win, so we must stay focused,” he emphasized.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 22 points.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets secured their third consecutive win in the semi-final against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokic delivering a stellar performance with 40 points.
After trailing 2-0 in the series, Denver now stands one win away from returning to the Western Conference finals.
Jokic, presented with his third Most Valuable Player of the Year award before the game, swiftly reminded everyone of his value with another standout performance.
Denver led 50-44 at halftime, with Jokic contributing 19 points. In response to an 11-3 run by the Timberwolves early in the third quarter, Jokic added 16 more points, extending the Nuggets’ lead to 88-74.
Denver effectively contained Anthony Edwards, limiting the Timberwolves star to 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
Despite the series lead, Jokic emphasized their continued desperation and determination heading into Thursday’s game in Minnesota.
“Our backs are still against the wall, and we won’t give up. We are still desperate for a win, and we’re heading to Minnesota to secure one,” he affirmed.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone commended his team’s effort in neutralizing Edwards. “We knew we had to change our approach with Anthony Edwards, who is a formidable force on his own,” he remarked. “Our defensive adjustments were crucial, and our commitment to them played a significant role in the victory.”
