Knicks push Heat to Game 6 behind Jalen Brunson's 38-point gem - ESPN

NEW YORK — Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau beamed with pride as he described Jalen Brunson's 38-point, nine-rebound, seven-assist performance in a must-win 112-103 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night.

As eye-popping as the numbers were for the guard who has quickly become one of Thibodeau's favorite players in his first season with the Knicks, the stat that really made Thibodeau gush was the 48 in the minutes column. Not only did Brunson lead his team offensively, he played every second of the game to make sure the Knicks forced a Game 6 Friday night in Miami.

«What can you say about the guy?» Thibodeau said. «He's just incredible, all-around player. Great leader, great toughness. Mental toughness, physical toughness, ability to think on his feet, ability to lead, ability to connect with people, bring the best out of people. That's what makes him special. And it's play after play.»

Brunson was relentless throughout Wednesday's game — and the Knicks needed every bit of it. He set the tone for the rest of the group to follow and continued making big buckets down the stretch for a team that almost blew a 19-point lead. After getting out-worked and out-hustled in Games 3 and 4, the Knicks and Brunson seemingly left everything they had on the Madison Square Garden floor.

«Just tried to do everything I could to win,» Brunson said matter-of-factly. «We did that. Now it's onto Game 6.»

While Brunson was nonchalant about his performance, his teammates and coach were more than happy to sing his praises after a night that won't soon be forgotten in Knicks lore.

«That's JB,» Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle said. «That's what he's been doing all year. Ultimately, at the core