The Miami Heat entered Game 5 of their second-round series against the New York Knicks hoping to close out the series in Madison Square Garden after taking a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4. However, they were met with a brilliant performance from Jalen Brunson, who refused to lose and played the full 48 minutes, recording a near triple-double with 38 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, the only player on either team to play the entire game. The Heat ultimately lost the game 112-103.
Miami started the game strong, taking an early 10-point lead in the first quarter, but the Knicks responded with an 18-2 scoring run to open the second quarter, making all eight of their field goal attempts to take control of the game. Despite this, Miami was able to regain the lead before Julius Randle hit a step back three-pointer to put the Knicks up 50-47 at halftime. With momentum on their side, the Knicks came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Heat 23-7 in the opening minutes to take a 19-point lead with just six minutes left in the third quarter.
However, Miami was able to cut the lead down to 10 points by the end of the third quarter with a 12-5 scoring run. In the fourth quarter, the Heat made a comeback, going on a 22-11 scoring run to bring the lead within two points, the closest they had been since the beginning of the third quarter. Unfortunately for Miami, the Knicks were able to pull away in the last two minutes of the game, going on an 8-2 run primarily from free throws, as they only made two field goal attempts during that time.
Jimmy Butler led the way for Miami with 19 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo added 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Duncan Robinson scored 17 points. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson had support from RJ Barrett, who scored 26 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, and Julius Randle, who contributed 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
With the missed opportunity to close out the series in five games, Miami now faces a must-win Game 6 at home, Friday night. They are aiming to become the first eighth seed to advance to the Conference Finals since the 1998-1999 Knicks, who ultimately lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
For more sports coverage from MLB, NBA, NFL, to NCAA contact Julian Ojeda at 786-501-9082 or via email julian@communitynewspapers.com
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