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DETROIT (AP)— Jalen Brunson’s crafty crossover dribble between his legs created the necessary separation for a game-winning three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds on the clock, followed by a kiss blown to a subdued crowd that had mercilessly mocked him throughout the series.
Brunson led the New York Knicks with 40 points, guiding them to a 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6, securing their place in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
“I maintain my composure and rely on the trust and calmness my teammates provide me,” Brunson remarked.
Just a week after being honored as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, he certainly lived up to his reputation.
“He excels when we need him most, and he’s consistently delivered this season,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “That’s what sets him apart.”
The Pistons couldn’t attempt a shot to potentially level the game and force overtime due to Malik Beasley mishandling a pass with just four-tenths of a second remaining.
“It’s disheartening,” Beasley shared, who scored 16 points in the second quarter and finished with a total of 20. “I had the opportunity to make a three and tie the game. That frustrates me.”
“He’s at his best when his best is needed.”
Thibodeau on #KiaClutchwinner Jalen Brunson after his series-clinching 3 💯🔥#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/CmWDPD0skf
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2025
The third-seeded Knicks are set to take on second-seeded Boston, aiming to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.
Game 1 will be held on Monday night in Boston.
“They’re the reigning champions, so we need to bring our A-game,” Thibodeau stated.
Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points, while OG Anunoby added 22 in a decisive performance for the Knicks, who managed to clinch the game with critical shots and defensive stops after relinquishing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, having previously held a 15-point advantage earlier in the game.
The sixth-seeded Pistons showcased an unparalleled turnaround during the regular season and ended the NBA’s longest playoff losing streak in their first postseason since 2019; however, they set a league record with their 10th consecutive home defeat dating back to 2008.
“We’ve demonstrated to ourselves and the entire league that our team possesses great potential,” Cunningham remarked.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham recorded 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, but he struggled with his shooting, going 0-for-8 from three-point range. His backcourt partner, Tim Hardaway Jr., managed only one three-pointer out of six attempts, finishing with seven points.
Hardaway hit a jumper to push Detroit ahead 112-105 with 2:35 remaining, but Brunson quickly answered with five consecutive points.
Cunningham missed a contested layup with 22 seconds left, which left the score tied at 113, giving Brunson the chance to clinch the victory on the following possession.
Jalen Brunson capped off his eighth playoff game with 40 points in his career (in just 55 games) with a decisive three-pointer to secure the series.
“We executed many things well and put ourselves in a position to win,” said Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “They simply made one more play than we did.”
Throughout the series, Brunson faced boos nearly every time he had the ball, and the jeers escalated to an extreme level in Game 3, prompting Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr to defend him publicly.
However, Thibodeau emphasized that Brunson remains unfazed by the criticism.
“His concentration is exceptional,” Thibodeau noted. “He doesn’t get distracted by anything other than the game. He is not affected by what people say or how the fans react.”
