New York won't go quietly in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks staved off elimination on Thursday night, defeating Indiana 111-94 to extend the Eastern Conference Finals to a game six. Jalen Brunson led the way for New York with 32 points. Karl Anthony Towns chipped in 24 points and 13 rebounds despite a bruised left knee.
For the first time in this series New York was able to win on their home floor. They denied Indiana a trip to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. The Pacers will look to end the series on their home floor back in Indianapolis on Saturday night. No team has ever won the Conference Finals after losing the first two games at home.
On Tuesday night the Knicks allowed the Pacers to score 43 points in the first quarter alone. Thursday night they limited the Pacers to just 45 points in the first half. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton who had a miraculous game three with 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds was limited to just eight points, and six assists on Thursday.
Jalen Brunson outplayed his counterpart in game five. Brunson went into the Knicks record books with his performance. He recorded his franchise record 21 postseason game of 30 or more points scored. Brunson scored 14 points in the first quarter. The Kicks led after the first quarter 27-23, giving up 20 fewer points than they had in game four when they trailed at the end of the first quarter 43-35.
Karl Anthony Towns who was questionable to play due to a left knee bruise didn't look like he was hurt in game five. He picked up the slack in the second quarter for Brunson who was held scoreless in the frame. He scored 12 points in the second quarter to help give New York a 56-45 halftime lead.
The Pacers were led in scoring by Benedict Mathurin who scored 23 points off the bench. Indiana only had three players reach double figures on Thursday night. Indiana's lone starter who reached double figures was Pascal Siakam who scored 15. Indiana's starters only accounted for 35 total points. That lack of production from a starting unit is unheard of in today's NBA. Indiana can't afford to have a performance like this again if it expects to win this series.
New York never trailed in game five. The Knicks opened up a twenty point lead in the third quarter before Indiana cut the lead in half and then New York went on a 12-0 run to extend the lead to 86-64. Indiana never recovered as New York went on to win 111-94.
Game six is ser for 8pm on Saturday night in Indianapolis. The Pacers are looking to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. New York is looking to force a game seven back in Madison Square Garden next Monday night.
No comments:
Post a Comment