A Deep Dive into His Playoff Mastery and What the Team Needs Now
Jalen Brunson has emerged as a postseason powerhouse, delivering performances that place him alongside NBA legends. As the New York Knicks face the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, trailing 3-2, Brunson’s leadership and scoring prowess are pivotal. His ability to carry the team, coupled with strategic support from teammates, will determine if the Knicks can force a Game 7 and vie for an NBA Finals berth.
As the New York Knicks prepare for a do-or-die Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, one question hangs heavy in the air: Can Jalen Brunson carry them to the NBA Finals? The short answer: yes, but not alone. Let’s break down Brunson’s incredible postseason performance, assess what the supporting cast must do, and project how the next two games can unfold for the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ Engine
Brunson has been nothing short of phenomenal in the 2024-25 playoffs. Averaging 33.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, he has emerged as one of the top offensive threats in the league. His playoff scoring ranks among the best in modern NBA history, placing him in elite company.
In particular, Brunson has recorded five 40-point games during the postseason, showcasing his ability to take over under pressure. In Game 5 against the Pacers, with the series tied 2-2, he dropped 44 points—his fourth 40-point outing of the series—reminding everyone that he can put a team on his back when it matters most.
Jalen Brunson Playoff Scoring Breakdown
| Game | Points | Assists | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 vs IND | 36 | 6 | 49% | 33% |
| Game 2 vs IND | 41 | 9 | 51% | 40% |
| Game 3 vs IND | 29 | 8 | 44% | 25% |
| Game 4 vs IND | 31 | 10 | 47% | 28% |
| Game 5 vs IND | 44 | 7 | 53% | 39% |
What Makes Brunson So Effective?
- Elite Shot Creation: Brunson is a master at creating his own shot. His footwork in isolation and ability to operate in tight spaces make him difficult to guard one-on-one.
- Poise Under Pressure: His late-game decision-making is surgical. Whether it’s a step-back jumper or a drive and dish to a cutter, Brunson rarely makes poor decisions in crunch time.
- Leadership: Perhaps most importantly, Brunson has emerged as a true leader. The team plays with more energy, discipline, and confidence when he’s on the floor.
The Reality: He Can’t Do It Alone
Despite Brunson’s brilliance, the Knicks face a team in Indiana that’s deep, fast, and well-coached. The Pacers are forcing turnovers, pushing the tempo, and attacking mismatches in transition. Brunson’s scoring will keep New York in games, but his supporting cast must rise to the occasion.
Key Supporting Players: What They Must Do
Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT)
KAT has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 24-point, 13-rebound effort in Game 5. However, he’s also been turnover-prone. With the Pacers trapping Brunson and forcing kick-outs, Towns must continue to be decisive with the ball.
- Average at least 20 points per game.
- Shoot 38%+ from three.
- Keep turnovers under 2 per game.
Mitchell Robinson
Robinson is vital in deterring Pacers drives and grabbing contested boards. His ability to switch on the perimeter and defend the paint makes life harder for Indiana’s guards.
- Protect the rim without foul trouble.
- Provide second-chance points via offensive boards.
Josh Hart
Hart is the glue guy—rebounding, defending, and hitting timely threes. While he doesn’t need to score big, his hustle is critical.
- Be a defensive stopper on Tyrese Haliburton.
- Hit open corner threes.
Donte DiVincenzo & Bench Mob
DiVincenzo must continue hitting catch-and-shoot threes and pushing the pace. Deuce McBride, Precious Achiuwa, and Isaiah Hartenstein need to bring energy and toughness.
- Provide at least 25 combined points off the bench.
- Limit Indiana’s bench scoring edge.
The Turnover Problem
The Knicks are averaging 15 turnovers per game this series, giving Indiana too many easy fast-break opportunities. Reducing live-ball turnovers is essential. They cannot afford to gift the Pacers 10–15 points in transition if they hope to extend the series.
What It Takes to Win Game 6 & 7
The Knicks have been resilient all playoffs, with six road wins already. Game 6 in Indiana will test that resolve. If Brunson stays hot and the supporting cast tightens up the defense and ball security, a win is within reach. Game 7, back in Madison Square Garden, would give the Knicks a huge emotional and home-court edge.
Gameplan Keys:
- Limit Indiana to under 110 points.
- Win the rebounding battle by 5+.
- Hit 12+ threes.
- Brunson needs 35+ points and 7+ assists.
- Supporting cast needs to combine for at least 60 points.
Can He Do It?
So, is Jalen Brunson good enough to carry the Knicks to the Finals? Absolutely—but only if the Knicks play as a team. Brunson is playing at an MVP level, but playoff basketball doesn’t allow for solo acts deep into the postseason. Every championship run is built on stars and role players doing their jobs with precision.
Brunson will bring the fire. The question is whether the rest of the Knicks can match it with focus, toughness, and execution.
If they do, the Garden will be rocking for Game 7—and the Finals won’t be far behind.
