Game Recap
The New York Knicks have advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs after defeating the Detroit Pistons 116-113 on Thursday night. Jalen Brunson was the star of the show, scoring 40 points, including a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to seal the win.
Post-Game Reaction
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson’s performance, saying, "He’s at his best when his best is needed and he’s done it all year. That’s what makes him special.” The Knicks’ win was not without its challenges, as they lost an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and a 15-point advantage in the second quarter.
Turning Point
The game’s turning point came with just seconds left, when Malik Beasley fumbled a pass with four-tenths of a second left, preventing the Pistons from getting a shot off to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime. This crucial mistake ultimately cost the Pistons the game.
Looking Ahead
The third-seeded Knicks will now face the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the second round, with the goal of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000. The Knicks received significant contributions from Mikal Bridges, who scored 25 points, and OG Anunoby, who added 22 points.
Pistons’ Season Ends
The sixth-seeded Pistons had a remarkable turnaround during the regular season, ending the NBA’s longest playoff losing streak in their first postseason appearance since 2019. However, they broke another league mark with a 10th straight setback at home dating to 2008. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, "We did so many things well and gave ourselves a chance. They just made one more play than we did.”
Notable Performances
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, but struggled with his 3-point shot, going 0 for 8. His backcourt mate Tim Hardaway Jr. was 1 of 6 beyond the arc and scored seven points.
Conclusion
The Knicks’ win over the Pistons sets up an exciting second-round series against the Celtics. With Brunson’s clutch performances and the team’s ability to close out games with clutch shots and stops, the Knicks are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.
FAQs
- Q: Who led the Knicks in scoring against the Pistons?
A: Jalen Brunson scored 40 points to lead the Knicks. - Q: What is the Knicks’ next matchup in the playoffs?
A: The Knicks will face the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the second round. - Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Knicks won 116-113.
