New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson's Efficient Game 5 Vs. Indiana Pacers Draws Heartfelt Tribute From Karl-Anthony Towns 17 Jan 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) brings the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson’s Efficient Game 5 Vs. Indiana Pacers Draws Heartfelt Tribute From Karl-Anthony Towns

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 30, 2025 8:58 AM ET

Jalen Brunson is a big reason the New York Knicks remain alive in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The two-time NBA All-Star notched 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four three-pointers on 12-for-18 shooting from the field in 34 minutes.

After the Game 5 111-94 home win last night, Brunson’s massive performance drew praise from co-star Karl-Anthony Towns.

“He (Brunson) was cooking. That’s what I saw. When he’s playing like that and he’s hitting shots, it energized everyone. Especially when you’re getting points at that rate, you’ve got to get some stops when cap is on that burner,” Towns said about Brunson during the postgame presser.

NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks Shopping Mitchell Robinson Says Insider 1 Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward OG Anunoby (8) react after a three point basket by center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) to clinch a win over the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

“We did a great job of executing and holding them to 23 points in the first quarter, which was something we did not do well in the last game. Again, it’s a testament to these guys after a tough last game, coming back to the drawing board, understanding the situation, and playing with that desperation,” he added.

New York Knicks News: Jalen Brunson enters Michael Jordan territory in Game 5

Jalen Brunson’s 32-point outing yesterday put him in elite company. According to Statmuse , the New York Knicks star became the fourth Eastern Conference guard to have double-digit 30-point games in a single playoff run, joining Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, and Dwyane Wade.

New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Should Listen to Former Player's 1 Eye-Opening Jalen Brunson Warning 3 Oct 30, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts as he exits the court after the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Brunson received plenty of support from his teammates in the blowout victory. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 24 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists on 10-for-20 shooting. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart had 12 points each, and OG Anunoby added 11 points.

New York aims to force a Game 7 at home when they return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 6 this Saturday.