Overview

• The Knicks lost Game 5 to the Pistons at Madison Square Garden, 106–103, narrowing their series lead to 3–2.
• Jalen Brunson reaggravated his right ankle sprain for the fourth time this series, limiting his effectiveness and raising long-term health concerns.
• Josh Hart exited late in the game with a wrist injury and later admitted to widespread physical exhaustion, reflecting the toll of heavy minutes under coach Tom Thibodeau.
• Thibodeau's decision to delay using his final timeout until 27.1 seconds remained drew scrutiny, as key players were unable to reenter the game earlier during a critical stretch.
• The physicality of the series and mounting injuries echo last year’s playoff struggles, when similar attrition led to the Knicks’ second-round exit.