CLEVELAND — The New York Knicks are headed to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in 10 years after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 on Wednesday night in Game 5 of their first-round series.
As was the case throughout the series, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson led the way for a hungry young team that had control of the game all night. Brunson scored 23 points to go with four assists and four rebounds and repeatedly made big plays when the Knicks needed one.
While the Knicks were very business-like in their celebration Wednesday, Brunson said that getting the franchise its first playoff series win since 2013 was “special,” especially because his dad, Rick, played three of his eight NBA seasons for the Knicks.
“It’s a really cool experience knowing that my dad played here — he was on that team that got to the Finals,” Brunson said, referring to the 1998-99 team. “It’s special. The connection that me and my dad have, everything, all the full circle, it’s really special.”
Brunson’s play continued to stand out against the Cavs. His teammates and coaches weren’t surprised he was able to rise to the occasion.
“He’s a star player,” Knicks super sub Josh Hart said of Brunson, his former Villanova teammate. “He showed that last year in the playoffs. He showed that this whole season, and he’s continuing to show it, continuing to prove people wrong, and none of us in that locker room or in that front office or coaching staff is surprised by how he’s playing.”
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau took time to recognize the team advancing, but said they still have more to accomplish.
“I’ve said this many times, the tradition of the Knicks, what it means not only to the city but the league, we have what I feel are the best fans in the world, we have the best city in the world, we have the best arena in the world, and I think the way this team plays resonates with all our fans,” he said. “They play hard, they play smart, and they play together, and I…
