In Game 5, we saw the Jalen Brunson we’re more accustomed to witnessing — at least relating to the first time he stepped foot on the court for the New York Knicks. 

The captain went off for his most efficient 30-ball in his playoff career, finishing with 39 points on 65.2% from the field. This was just his second playoff game where he shot that mark or better.

So, what clicked?

Different Lead

The first three games of this series were a learning experience for Mike Brown and the Knicks, seeing what to put together and what works.

It was clear that running the offense solely through Brunson wasn’t working, especially with Dyson Daniels on his hip. 

So in Game 4, Karl-Anthony Towns took over with his first playoff triple-double. 

They used a series of back-screens with Brunson and OG Anunoby in the corner, with Towns holding onto the ball. Anunoby was open practically every time this was run, and the Knicks dominated the Hawks.

Right from the opening tip of Game 5, the Hawks denied this when the Knicks tried it.

But Atlanta made a major change: Daniels matched up with Towns.

Brunson vs. anybody but Daniels

In Brunson’s first three shot attempts, the possession started with Nickeil Alexander-Walker guarding him.

This short-lived matchup featured three open shot attempts for Brunson, where he went 2-3.

Daniels was quickly switched back to Brunson, but it was already too late; Brunson was feeling himself.

Brunson was also able to get CJ McCollum switched onto him, as well, and every time this happened, he’d clear everyone out.

In the series, Brunson averages 59.5 points per 75 possessions against McCollum.

Daniels is the only matchup for which Brunson averages fewer than 20 points per 75 possessions.

First Quarter Importance: Limiting Turnovers

In the first quarter of Games 2, 3, and 4, Brunson shot just 37.5% from the field and averaged 1.7 turnovers.

Since joining the Knicks, Brunson has had eight playoff games with two turnovers or more turnovers in the first quarter. 

In those games, he averages 4.3 turnovers and shoots just 39.2% from the field.

In the 27 games where he has zero turnovers in the first, he averages 2.3 turnovers and shoots 47.8%.

If the Knicks can keep Daniels off of Brunson to limit his early turnovers, he’s primed for a big game. 

Only four times has he finished with four or more turnovers after committing none in the first quarter.

Karl Anthony-Towns should be the primary half-court ball handler to start Game 6, just like in Game 5; get Daniels on him.

If this is the case, Brunson should be able to get going early with the easier matchups of Alexander-Walker and McCollum.