Jalen Brunson put on a scoring clinic, dropping 39 points to lead the New York Knicks to a crucial Game 5 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, taking a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Brunson was unstoppable, hitting clutch shots down the stretch and finishing with a game-high scoring total that left the Hawks' defense scrambling. The Knicks star guard also dished out 7 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds in a commanding all-around performance.
The Hawks fought hard, with Trae Young putting up 28 points and 10 assists, but it wasn't enough to counter Brunson's offensive explosion. New York's supporting cast stepped up, with Julius Randle contributing 18 points and 12 rebounds, and RJ Barrett adding 15 points.
The Knicks now have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 back in Atlanta. A win would advance them to the second round for the first time since 2013.