He learns the playoffs and dives deep into what his team needs right now
Jalen Brunson emerged as a postseason powerhouse, offering a performance that placed him alongside the NBA Legends. Branson’s leadership and scoring ability are crucial as they chase 3-2 when the New York Knicks face the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Coupled with strategic support from teammates, his ability to carry the team determines whether the Knicks can force Game 7 and VIE for the NBA Finals Birth.
One question gets heavy in the air as the New York Knicks prepare for Dia Game 6, where they play against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Can Jalen Brunson carry them to the NBA Finals? Simple answer: Yes, but not alone. Let’s break down Branson’s incredible postseason performance, assess what the supporting cast should do, and predict how the next two games can play out for the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson: Knicks’ Engine
Branson was incredible in the 2024-25 playoffs. Averaging 33.9 points, 7.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds per gamehe emerged as one of the top offensive threats in the league. His playoff scores are the highest ranked in modern NBA history, putting him in an elite company.
In particular, Branson recorded 5 40 Point Games We’ll show you the ability to take over under pressure during the postseason. In Game 5, where the series tied 2-2, he dropped 44 points (the fourth 40-point outing of the series).
Jalen Brunson’s playoff scoring failure
| game | point | assist | FG% | 3pt% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 vs Ind | 43 | 5 | 60% | 16% |
| Game 2 vs Ind | 36 | 11 | 48% | 41% |
| Game 3 vs Ind | twenty three | 1 | 33% | 20% |
| Game 4 vs Ind | 31 | 5 | 47% | 33% |
| Game 5 vs Ind | 32 | 5 | 66% | 57% |
What makes Branson so effective?
- Creating an elite shot: Branson is the master who creates his own shots. His footwork is isolated, and his ability to operate in tight spaces makes it difficult for him to defend one-on-one.
- Calm down under pressure: His post-match decisions are surgical. Whether it’s a stepback jumper or a dish to a drive and a cutter, Branson rarely makes poor decisions at crunch time.
- leadership: Perhaps most importantly, Branson has emerged as a true leader. The team plays with more energy, discipline and confidence when he is on the floor.
Reality: He can’t do it alone
Despite Branson’s brilliance, the Knicks face an Indiana team. Pacers are forcing a conversion, pushing tempo, attacking discrepancies during the transition. Branson’s score keeps New York in the game, but his supporting cast must take the opportunity to stand up.
Key Support Players: What They Should Do
Karl Anthony Towns (Cat)
Cat shows a flash of glow, including 24 points in Game 5 and 13 efforts. But he is also prone to sales. The town has to keep determining the ball as the Pacers lock up Branson and force a kickout.
- Average 20 points per game.
- Shoot 3 to 38%+.
- Keep 2 turnovers below 2 per game.
Mitchell Robinson
Robinson is essential to stop the pacer from driving and grabbing the contested board. His ability to turn on boundaries and protect paint makes life difficult for Indiana security guards.
- Protects your rims without foul trouble.
- Provides second chance points via attack boards.
Josh Hart
Hart is a glue man, drawing, defending and hitting the three of them timely. He doesn’t need to win big, but his fuss is important.
- Become a defensive stopper for Tyrese Haliburton.
- Press open corner 3.
Donte Divincenzo & Bench Mob
Divincenzo has to keep attacking catch-and-shoot 3 and keep pushing the pace. Deuce McBride, Precious Achiuwa, and Isaiah Hartenstein need to bring energy and toughness.
- Provides at least 25 combination points from the bench.
- Limits the bench scoring edge in Indiana.
The issue of leaving the job
Knicks are average 15 spins per game This series has too many easy fast opportunities for Indiana. It is essential to reduce live ball turnover. If you want to expand your series, you won’t be able to afford to give 10-15 points on your transition to Pacer.
What you need to win games 6 and 7
The Knicks are resilient throughout all the playoffs and have already won six roads. Indiana Game 6 tests its solution. If Branson stays hot and the support cast is to enhance defense and ball security, victory is within reach. Returning to Madison Square Garden Game 7 gives the Knicks a big emotional and home court edge.
Game Planky:
- Limit Indiana to less than 110 points.
- Win a rebound battle with 5+.
- Press 12 times or more.
- Branson needs 35 points or more assists.
- Support casts must combine at least 60 points.
Can he do that?
So is Jalen Brunson good enough to carry the Knicks to the finals? Absolutely – but only if the Knicks play as a team. Branson plays at the MVP level, but does not allow deep postseason solo acts in playoff basketball. All championship runs are based on stars and role players and do their jobs.
Branson brings fire. The question is whether the rest of the Knicks can match focus, toughness and execution.
If so, the yard will shake for Game 7 – and the finals aren’t too late.
