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Knicks Overcome Losing All-Star Jalen Brunson, Regroup to Beat Cavaliers

Barrett Shines After Slump, Brunson's Bruised Knee Sidelines Him

Knicks Advance to Second Round of Eastern Conference Playoffs

The New York Knicks have advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points, while RJ Barrett added 21. Barrett had been in a slump in the first four games of the series, but he broke out in Game 5 with his first 20-point performance of the playoffs.

The Knicks were without All-Star Julius Randle, who was ruled out with a strained right quadriceps. Randle has been a key player for the Knicks all season, but they were able to overcome his absence and win the game.

"We're a team," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We've got next man up mentality. We've got guys that are ready to play. We've got guys that are willing to step up. And we've got guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to win."

The Knicks will face the winner of the series between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks in the second round. The Heat currently lead that series 3-2.

The Knicks' victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They were able to overcome the loss of Randle and the slump of Barrett to win the game and advance to the second round. The Knicks are a team that is hungry to win, and they are now one step closer to their goal.

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