NBA Hoops

Landry Shamet sparks Knicks’ defense

Heroes and zeros from the Knicks’ 111-94 Game 5 blowout win on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden:  

Hero 

Jalen Brunson declared he needed to give the Knicks more.

He delivered more, and then some.

He was as aggressive as he’s been all series and finished with 32 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field. 

Jalen Brunson, with John Starks cheering in the background, celebrates after a bucket during the Knicks’ 111-94 Game 5 win over the Pacers on May 29, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Zero 

Did a Tyrese Haliburton imposter show up at Madison Square Garden? He had no made field goals in the first half and finished with just eight points. 


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Unsung hero 

Landry Shamet’s scoring output was modest, but his defensive effort was greatly appreciated.

The Madison Square Garden crowd chanted his name in the fourth quarter.

He had barely played this postseason before Game 3 of this series. 


Landry Shamet plays tight defense on Andrew Nembhard as OG Anunoby looks on during the Knicks' Game 5 win over the Pacers.
Landry Shamet plays tight defense on Andrew Nembhard as OG Anunoby looks on during the Knicks’ Game 5 win over the Pacers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Key stat

26 Scoring advantage the Knicks held in the paint.

Quote of the Day

“We knew we had to do something. We had to. It’s win or go home.” 

 — Jalen Brunson

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