Brunson had Nesmith playing TWISTER
The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers thanks to a great team effort. Despite having a lot of players ruled out because of injuries, the Knicks wanted it more and played a fantastic game. Jalen Brunson was sensational, 44 points to seal the Knicks victory 121-91.
Another great demonstration of the heart of this Knicks team, who have been able to overcome the many difficulties brought by a season plagued by severe injuries. With 3 starters out (OG Anunoby, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson) and an important rotation player like Bojan Bogdanovic also sidelined, New York made no excuses and played a game showing a lot of hunger for victory.
Indiana was looking to repeat what they accomplished on Sunday, when they put a brutal beating on Tom Thibodeau's team at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This Tuesday, Tyrese Haliburton and company couldn't match the energy with which the Knicks came out to play at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson had an outstanding performance. The point guard from Vilanova University gave a real performance in which he showed all his offensive arsenal, managing the tempo of the game and making sure not to let the Pacers get close on the scoreboard, having scored 35 points at the end of the third quarter.
The Knicks star finished with 44 points, making 18 of 35 shots, for a total of 51% from the field. He also recorded 4 rebounds and dished out 7 assists.
Brunson was not alone, Josh Hart contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds. Miles McBride added 17 points, Alec Burks chipped in with 18, and German center Isaiah Hartenstein was beastly on the boards, pulling down 17 rebounds.
The Pacers were neutralized by their opponents' defense. Pascal Siakam was the leading scorer for his team with 22 points, followed by Miles Turner's 16. Haliburton did not have a good night, scoring 13 points and dishing out only 5 assists.
The series returns to Indianapolis for Game 6, to be played next Friday at a time to be confirmed. Will the Pacers come back strong at home or will the Knicks give Indiana the fatal blow?
Brunson had Nesmith playing TWISTER