Jalen Brunson’s clutch crossover dribble and subsequent game-winning 3-pointer with just 4.3 seconds remaining led the New York Knicks to a 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 on Thursday night. The win propelled the Knicks into the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Brunson, who finished with 40 points, played with composure, relying on the trust of his teammates. “I stay poised and rely on the trust and composure my teammates give me,” he said after the game.
After being named NBA’s clutch player of the year, Brunson lived up to his reputation. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised his star guard, saying, “He’s at his best when his best is needed and he’s done it all year. That’s what makes him special.”
Detroit had one final chance to tie the game, but Malik Beasley fumbled a pass with just four-tenths of a second remaining, sealing the loss for the Pistons. Beasley, who had contributed 20 points, was disappointed, saying, “I had a chance to make a three and tie the game. I’m mad about that.”
With the win, the third-seeded Knicks will face the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the next round. Game 1 is scheduled for Monday in Boston. Thibodeau acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “They’re the defending champion so we’re going to have to be at our best.”
Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby also played key roles in the victory, contributing 25 and 22 points, respectively. Despite losing a significant lead twice during the game, the Knicks held their composure and closed the game out with critical shots and defensive stops.
The Pistons, despite a remarkable regular-season turnaround, could not break their playoff losing streak, which now stands at 10 straight home losses dating back to 2008. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham had 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, but struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 0-for-8 on 3-pointers. His backcourt partner, Tim Hardaway Jr., also struggled, making just one of six 3-pointers.
Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged that while the team had many strong moments, they ultimately fell short. “We did so many things well and gave ourselves a chance,” Bickerstaff said. “They just made one more play than we did.”
Throughout the series, Brunson endured intense booing from Detroit’s crowd, particularly in Game 3, where the jeers were more vulgar. In support, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr came to Brunson’s defense. Thibodeau, however, was confident in Brunson’s ability to block out distractions, saying, “His focus is terrific. He doesn’t get sidetracked with anything but the game.”
