Studs No Duds: Knicks are one win away from ECF after commanding victory in Game 5

The masterful performance from Brunson may indicate dark days ahead for the Indiana Pacers. Indiana has won 10 straight home games, with their last loss dating back to March 18th, but following 44 points and seven assists from all three levels, Jalen Brunson is not done yet.

The 10-point first quarter was just the “revving of the engine” as Brunson followed it up with an 18-point second quarter, decimating every mismatch against a young Pacers lineup. Doing the heavy lifting offensively and winning games, many analysts have been left perplexed by Brunson’s ability to seize the moment and handle business when it is time to.

The 44-point performance in Game 5 was Brunson’s fifth 40-point game this postseason, the most in a postseason since LeBron James in 2018.

Studs: Isaiah Hartenstein Huge Night

The summer that’s in store for Isaiah Hartenstein will be the most lucrative of his NBA tenure thus far. The big man is walking into free agency following a phenomenal showing all season long. Firstly, taking over duties as starting center, and the Knicks didn’t skip a beat.

It can be argued, they were even better given the versatility of Hartenstein, and in Game 5 that was on full display. Scoring seven points was modest, but adding 17 rebounds, 12 of which were offensive rebounds, tied the Knicks franchise record for offensive boards.

Studs: Miles McBride and Josh Hart provide sparks

The utility belt of the Knicks has remained Josh Hart. Every matchup is in his favor, being only 6-foot-4, Hart has made up for his size with tenacity and determination. A poor night from the floor in Game 4 saw a much more devoted Hart in Game 5. Now, with back-to-back games playing under 40 minutes, one might say Hart is rejuvenated and looking to close it out in Game 6 after a brilliant 18-point and 11 assists in Game 5.

While Hart keeps the team’s foundation from caving in, Miles McBride is installing a new fence around the perimeter. The lack of personnel that can self-create and score at will left the Knicks in a territory of predictability. That aura is much easier to get away from when players like McBride, DiVincenzo, and Burks are in the zone.

McBride has averaged 14 points in his last three games, showing a newfound confidence in a matchup that, at the start of the series, seemed to get the best of him. The Pacers’ young guard and wing depth may be inexperienced, but there is a level of cohesion that exists, and McBride is playing much better against them after a rough start to the series. 

Takeaways from the Knicks’ Game 5 win over the Pacers

The job is not finished. Celebrating the win in Game 5 is deserved, but seeing the unpredictability in this series, the Knicks faithful and players alike must be ready in Game 6. The Pacers are on a remarkable run at home in the last two months, and it will take the best New York has to put the Pacers away and avoid a Game 7.

New York is one win away from being in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years. Allowing the likes of Alec Burks and Miles McBride to maximize themselves adds an element of surprise and variety to the Knicks. This component will allow them to compete in the next round against the Celtics or Cavaliers, the only step now is to get there.