Knicks Jalen Brunson Leads to Game 6 with 32-Point Performance in Thrilling Win over Pacers

The New York Knicks continued their dominant run in the Eastern Conference finals, securing a thrilling 111-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5. The Knicks' star player, Jalen Brunson, continued his impressive play, posting 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting with five rebounds and five assists. Brunson joined a select group of players, including LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and potential NBA Finals opponent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the only players to post at least 10 games of 30 points and five assists in a single postseason. Despite the Knicks' dominant performance, the Pacers did not go down without a fight. The Knicks were up by as many as 22 points late in the third quarter, but Indiana cut the lead to 12 early in the fourth quarter. The Knicks' head coach, Tom Thibodeau, was concerned and reinserted his starters, who held on until Indiana finally waved the white flag with two minutes remaining. The Knicks' victory was not without its scares, as any fan in Madison Square Garden who says they weren't worried at that point is lying. However, the Knicks went wire-to-wire and looked like the better team on Thursday. Now, the Knicks face a tough challenge in Game 6, which is scheduled for Saturday in Indiana (8 p.m. ET, TNT). The Gainbridge Fieldhouse audience will be fully aware of how close its team is to its first Finals since 2000, and it will be loud. With this victory, the Knicks have taken a significant step towards their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. They will need to continue their impressive play if they are to overcome the tough challenge that awaits them in Game 6. But for now, the Knicks can say they definitely looked like the better team on Thursday and are one step closer to realizing their dream of reaching the NBA Finals.