Detroit, Michigan — In a nail-biting finish, Jalen Brunson showcased his clutch prowess, sinking a decisive three-pointer with just 5.1 seconds remaining to lift the New York Knicks to a 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Brunson’s stellar performance, which included a remarkable 40 points, propelled the Knicks into the conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs.
Brunson, honored as the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year just a week ago, delivered precisely when it mattered most. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his point guard, stating, “He shines brightest in critical moments, and he’s been consistent all season long. That’s his hallmark.”
The game’s final quarter turned into a dramatic affair as the Pistons surged ahead with a 20-2 run, grabbing a seven-point lead with just over two minutes left. According to ESPN Analytics, the Knicks’ chances of winning dwindled to just 7% at that juncture. However, New York rallied, finishing the game on an 11-1 scoring spree.
Detroit’s Malik Beasley, who had been instrumental in his team’s push, found himself at a crossroads when a last-second pass slipped through his fingers, leaving the Pistons without a shot to potentially tie the game. “This is tough,” Beasley reflected, having scored 20 points overall, including 16 in a strong second quarter. “I had the opportunity to hit a three and tie it. I’m frustrated about that.”
With this victory, the third-seeded Knicks set their sights on an Eastern Conference Finals berth for the first time since 2000. Their next opponent will be the second-seeded Boston Celtics, adding another layer of intensity to an already thrilling playoff atmosphere.
Supporting Brunson’s heroics, Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points, while OG Anunoby added 22 for New York. The team demonstrated a well-rounded effort, combining individual talent with strategic execution to overcome the late-game surge from Detroit.
On the other side of the court, the sixth-seeded Pistons displayed resilience throughout the season and managed to end the league’s longest playoff losing streak during their first postseason appearance since 2019. However, they fell short in this game, marking a disappointing tenth consecutive playoff loss at home since 2008.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted the effort his team put forth, stating, “We executed so many things effectively and had opportunities, but they just outperformed us on the final play.” The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham tallied 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in the effort but struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 0-for-8 on three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. managed only seven points, hitting just one of six from long range.
In the end, the exhilarating contest highlighted the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball, setting the stage for an even more charged environment as the Knicks prepare for their next challenge.