Knicks bounce back to crush Pacers, Jokic and Nuggets on a roll

NEW YORK: Jalen Brunson was back to his best on Tuesday (May 14) as the New York Knicks dominated the Indiana Pacers 121-91 to take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final Game 5.

A win on Friday night in Indianapolis will see the Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 24 years.

After losing Game 4 by 32 points, it was an emphatic response from the Knicks, with Brunson piling up 44 points with seven assists and four rebounds.

"He's willing to share everything with his teammates, and to me, that is the best part of him," said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.

"His play is spectacular, but who he is as a teammate, as a leader, it makes us that. Big shot after big shot."

The Knicks destroyed Indiana on the boards, with Isaiah Hartenstein leading the way with 17 rebounds (12 offensive) while Josh Hart had 11 rebounds (nine defensive).

Brunson's impact had been limited in the past two games in the series, with concerns that his heavy workload and a foot injury may have slowed him down.

But there were no signs of fatigue as he reached the 40 mark for the fifth time this post-season.

Brunson, who had only 18 points in Sunday's loss, shot 18 for 35 and put up 28 points in the first half - a playoff record for the Knicks.

It was his seven straight points, including a three-pointer to open up a 20-point lead at 106-86, that made sure of the victory.

"I just love that there is never any excuse-making from him. He's never talking about injuries," said Thibodeau.

"A lot of times when you hear people talking about their injuries, a lot of it is excuse-making and you never get that from him."

The Pacers got off to a strong start and led 25-20 before the Knicks put together an 11-0 run to end the first