Knicks visit Miami looking to force a Game 7


The New York Knicks as soon as once more will look to stop the Warmth from etching their identify into the NBA historical past books when the groups play Recreation 6 of their Jap Convention semifinal collection on Friday night time in Miami

With its again in opposition to the wall, fifth-seeded New York pushed again on Wednesday and closed its deficit within the best-of-seven collection to 3-2 with a 112-103 victory. The choice saved Miami from turning into simply the second No. 8 seed to succeed in the convention finals and the primary for the reason that Knicks completed the feat within the spring of 1999

New York coach Tom Thibodeau was fast to credit score Jalen Brunson after the latter stuffed the stat sheet on Wednesday. Brunson recorded 38 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists whereas taking part in in all 48 minutes of the sport.

“What are you able to say concerning the man?” Thibodeau mentioned. “He is simply unbelievable, all-around participant. Nice chief, nice toughness. Psychological toughness, bodily toughness, skill to suppose on his ft, skill to guide, skill to attach with individuals, convey the most effective out of individuals. That is what makes him particular. And it is play after play.”

Brunson instructed reporters that there was no dialogue about his prolonged workload previous to Wednesday’s recreation.

“Nothing was mentioned in any respect. No matter it takes,” Brunson mentioned.

Brunson wasn’t alone, nevertheless, as fellow guard Quentin Grimes additionally performed all 48 minutes.

“We’ll see what Recreation 6 brings,” Thibodeau mentioned, when addressing whether or not Brunson and Grimes would play all 48 minutes once more on Friday. “If it requires them to try this, then I am not afraid to do it.”

RJ Barrett scored 26 factors and Julius Randle collected 24 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists simply two days after he overtly questioned whether or not the Warmth “need it extra” than the Knicks

Miami’s Jimmy Butler was held below 25 factors for the primary time this postseason on Wednesday. Butler, who was voted to the All-NBA second workforce on Wednesday, completed with team-leading totals in factors (19) and assists (9) to associate with seven rebounds.

“It would not matter if I rating 40 or 50 or 19 or 9, we all the time have sufficient to win,” Butler mentioned. “And if I rating 10 factors in that recreation and we win, that would not be a difficulty, would not be a query and I’ll proceed to play the suitable means.”

Bam Adebayo had 18 factors and eight rebounds and Duncan Robinson sank 5 3-pointers to focus on his 17-point efficiency off the bench. The Warmth, nevertheless, completed simply 13 of 43 from past the arc

“(The Knicks) did their job,” Miami guard Kyle Lowry mentioned. “They protected their homecourt. Now we have to handle our job Friday.

The Warmth have received all 4 of their house video games to date within the playoffs. A win on Friday — or a victory at Madison Sq. Backyard in Recreation 7 on Monday — would ship Miami to the Jap Convention remaining for the third time in 4 seasons

–Subject Stage Media