New York Knicks Coast to Game 5 Win Over Cleveland, Advance to Second Round for First Time Since 2013

ParallelDesk 01:14:54 PM, 27 April 2023

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The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday night. In doing so, the Knicks won the series 4-1 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013. New York pulled off a series win behind strong play from star point guard Jalen Brunson and elite team defense. The win had success-starved Knicks fans going wild on social media, celebrating the rare accomplishment for the Knicks. The Knicks never trailed in Game 5, leading by as many as 18 points. This came despite the game being played in Cleveland and being a must-win game for the Cavs. Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals on 36.4% shooting. Knicks wing RJ Barrett added 21 points, four rebounds and four assists on 53.8% shooting. Meanwhile, Cleveland was led by star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals on 42.3% shooting. Cavs star point guard Darius Garland added 21 points, two rebounds and four assists on 53.8% shooting. The Knicks were able to coast to their Game 5 win despite star forward Julius Randle missing the second half after aggravating his left ankle injury. The win marked New York’s second road win in the series. Brunson led the Knicks all series long, averaging 24.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game on 43.7% shooting. This comes after New York faced criticism for signing him to a four-year, $104 million contract last offseason. Most would agree that Brunson has now validated the Knicks’ decision and then some. Knicks fans are hopeful that their team's success can continue as they advance to the second round, where they will face either the Miami Heat or Milwaukee Bucks. This will mark the third time this century that the Knicks have advanced past the first round of the playoffs. The Knicks will look to build off their strong showing against the Cavaliers and continue their playoff run, which has brought excitement and hope back to a fan base that has long been starved for success.