NBA Playoffs 2024: Knicks Stage Impressive Comeback Against Pacers, Jokic Powers Nuggets
NBA Playoffs 2024 Showdown: In Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, the New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 121-91 on Tuesday, led by Jalen Brunson, who was playing at his peak to take 3-2 lead.
The Knicks responded forcefully to their 32-point loss in Game 4, as Brunson scored 44 points, dished out seven assists, and pulled down four rebounds.
The Knicks will make their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 24 years with a victory on Friday night in Indianapolis.
The Knicks responded forcefully to their 32-point loss in Game 4, as Brunson scored 44 points, dished out seven assists, and pulled down four rebounds.
With Josh Hart grabbing 11 rebounds (nine defensive) and Isaiah Hartenstein leading the way with 17 rebounds (12 offensive), the Knicks dominated Indiana on the glass.
In the previous two games of the series, Brunson’s effect had been minimal, raising questions about whether his heavy workload and a foot issue had slowed him down.
However, as he crossed the 40-point barrier for the fifth time this postseason, there were no indications of weariness.
In the first half, Brunson, who finished with just 18 points in the Knicks’ defeat on Sunday, shot 18 for 35 and scored 28 points, setting a playoff record for the team.
His seven consecutive points, which included a three-pointer to give him a 20-point lead at 106-86, sealed the victory.
Indiana’s Pascal Siakam led with 22 points.
Nuggets take a 3-2 series lead thanks to Jokic
In the Western Conference semifinal, Nikola Jokic led the reigning champs with 40 points as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves for the third time in a row. After falling behind 2-0 in the series, Denver is now only one victory away from making it back to the Western Conference championship game.
Before the game, Jokic received his third career Most Valuable Player of the Year award and promptly gave another testament to his worth. At the half, Denver was ahead 50–44, with Jokic accounting for 19 of those points. The Nuggets’ lead was then increased to 88-74 by Jokic after the Wolves had opened the third quarter on an 11-3 surge.
Anthony Edwards, the star of the Timberwolves, was held to just 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting as Denver managed to silence him.
In the Game Four defeat on Sunday, the 22-year-old scored 44 points.
Jokic understands that a difficult test is in store for him on Thursday in Minnesota, though, having been shocked by the series’ first two games’ defeat.
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