Jalen Brunson delivers ‘big-time game’ as Knicks regain control of series over Hawks

Jalen Brunson struggled over the first four games of the Knicks ’ first round series with the Hawks. The All-Star continued to get things done as a playmaker for New York’s offense, but he was missing some open looks he’s usually able to knock down with ease. Heading into Thursday night’s crucial Game 5 matchup at the Garden, Brunson was shooting just 37 percent from the field since the first quarter of Game 1.

But the captain stepped up and delivered when the Knicks needed a win the most. Brunson led all scorers with 39 points on an efficient 15-of-23 shooting from the field to help the Knicks regain control of the series with a massive Game 5 win . It was the captain’s first 30-point showing this postseason and the 25th in his playoff career, which puts him in a tie with OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the league-high.

He also dished a game-high eight assists and turned the ball over just one time. "Jalen was phenomenal," Mike Brown said. "Just a big-time game from a big-time player.

" Of Brunson’s 39 points, 22 of them came in the second-half. He made just two buckets coming out of halftime, then the rest of them came in the fourth quarter as he put any doubts about this one to rest for good. Brunson knocked down all five shot s he took in that final frame takeover, and he went on a stretch where he scored 12 consecutive Knicks points at one point.