The New York Knicks have one more step to climb to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.

Jalen Brunson, after a couple of rough games, looks ready to take it.

Brunson scored 44 points, reaching 40 for the fifth time in this post-season, and the Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers, 121-91, yesterday (Philippine time) for a 3-2 lead in their playoff series.

The Knicks rebounded from a blowout loss and guaranteed themselves at least one more game at Madison Square Garden in front of their roaring fans who had been aching to see big games in late spring again.

Josh Hart had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Deuce McBride scored 17 points after he was inserted into the starting lineup.

The No. 2-seeded Knicks could win the series on Saturday, May 18 (Philippine time) at Indiana after the first two-day break between games in the series.

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA home debut with the Indiana Fever is scheduled at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, causing the extra day that perhaps can benefit a New York team that is playing without four key players.

“We still need one more win, so we can’t get too excited about it,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.

“We have to understand what we need to do, stay focused on the task at hand. If you feel good about yourself, you get knocked down in this league. We’ve got to be ready to go.”

Brunson hurt his right foot in Game 2 and was limited to 18 points, his lowest of the post-season, when the Pacers ran the Knicks off the floor in a 121-89 romp.

He kept insisting he was fine and there was no reason to question that.

“I think as a team, no matter what the situation is, we have the same mindset no matter what,” Brunson said.

“And regardless of how I’m feeling or someone else is feeling, we know what’s at stake, we know what we have to do, and we’re going to figure it out.” (AP)