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DETROIT— Jalen Brunson’s game-winning shot may have a significance we cannot fully comprehend. That’s the captivating aspect of such brilliance. In this realm, a mere flick of a wrist can transform gloomy skies into bright sunshine. One basket can redefine careers or alter the fate of an entire franchise. A single individual, a fleeting moment, can reshape reality.
Kevin Durant’s toe grazing the 3-point line during a Game 7 showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 sent the Brooklyn Nets into a tailspin. In contrast, Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce buzzer-beater against the 76ers in the seventh game of a 2019 playoff series crowned Canada as home to the world champions for the first time in history.
The difference of mere inches can dramatically change how history is chronicled.
What Brunson accomplished on Thursday night in Detroit—hitting a game-winning three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds remaining—was crucial for the Knicks, allowing them to prevail in a grueling six-game series against the tenacious Pistons. This moment is destined to be etched in the annals of New York’s basketball legacy, marking it as one of the franchise’s most remarkable achievements. While that is undeniable, this shot may have also safeguarded jobs and potentially preserved the current identity of the Knicks. However, we may never fully understand the implications of this series.
JALEN BRUNSON NAILS A THREE TO SEAL THE WIN FOR THE KNICKS 🔥🔥🔥
THE KNICKS ARE HEADED TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIS!!! #NBAPlayoffs brought to you by Google pic.twitter.com/sGmjcWhNdj
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2025
The final points of Brunson’s remarkable 40-point performance carried the weight of a franchise. Yet, for the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, this scenario is familiar.
“He thrives when the stakes are highest,” remarked New York head coach Tom Thibodeau, whose team narrowly defeated Detroit 116-113.
In a different reality, Brunson’s crossover move could have failed to shake off Ausar Thompson, ending with a miss. The Pistons might have claimed victory in regulation or overtime. This isn’t an unlikely scenario, as Detroit pushed New York to the limit throughout their series, with four of the six games decided by three points or fewer.
Had things played out differently, the series would have progressed to a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Surely, the experienced Knicks, who wrapped up the regular season with 51 wins, would emerge victorious against the inexperienced Pistons, right? That’s possible, but it’s equally plausible that Detroit could pull off a third road win against a Knicks team that is already worn down.
Such a scenario would undoubtedly trigger significant changes. Rumors have circulated all season that if the Knicks were to exit in the first round, the dynamics would shift dramatically next year. Perhaps it would involve the head coach if senior management believes the roster isn’t being maximized properly. Maybe the front office itself would face scrutiny since someone had to persuade the owner that incurring luxury tax penalties and trading critical assets would lead to a brighter future. It could even be a combination of both. The connections between management and coaching staff run deep, and owners frequently make changes over less. Player trades and bold decisions could also be on the table.
When disappointment meets expectations, changes are inevitable. While fans may feel underwhelmed by New York’s journey to the second round, they did what was necessary to move forward. The hypothetical scenarios of downfall are not worth considering.
“The important thing is that the ball went in, and that’s all that matters to me,” Brunson stated.
Now, reality guides the Knicks to Boston, where they will face the reigning champion Celtics on Monday as the second round of the playoffs commences. Boston triumphed over New York during the regular season, winning all four matchups by considerable margins. Nevertheless, Brunson’s shot in Detroit offers everyone a renewed opportunity for redemption. The players can once again demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level. The front office has another chance to prove the validity of its choices. The coach has another opportunity to extract the best from the roster. Fans can keep supporting their team.
As has been the case throughout the season, New York took the difficult path. They had opportunities to eliminate the Pistons sooner than six games, but they’ve rarely made things easy during the regular season, so there was no change now. Ultimately, the Knicks achieved their goal. That’s the critical focus at this stage — to survive and advance. Defeating an NBA team once is challenging enough; defeating them four times is a considerable feat, even if some teams seem to make it look effortless.
Who can predict that changes won’t be on the horizon if New York struggles to present a competitive series against the Celtics? Anything can occur when expectations and investments run high. However, for now, the Knicks’ decision-makers can focus solely on the games ahead. There is still basketball to play.
Brunson’s shot transcended being just another game-winner. It revived and rejuvenated a team, offering fans hope once more.
On Thursday in Detroit, Captain Clutch delivered his most pivotal performance to date, even if he was unaware of its significance in the moment. Brunson might have preserved the essence of these Knicks as we know them.
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James L. Edwards III serves as a staff writer for The Athletic, covering the New York Knicks. Before this, he spent seven seasons reporting on the Detroit Pistons for the same outlet and was previously a journalist for the Lansing State Journal, where he focused on Michigan State and high school sports. Follow James L. on X@JLEdwardsIII.
