New York, USA – The New York Knicks are heading back to the Eastern Conference semifinals, and it’s Jalen Brunson who once again carried the moment. The All-Star guard dropped 40 points — including a dagger three-pointer with just over five seconds left — to lift the Knicks to a hard-fought 116–113 win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6.

With the game tied at 113 in the final seconds, Brunson rose from the top of the arc and buried a deep shot that would ultimately seal the game and the series. Detroit had one final opportunity, but a misfired pass from Cade Cunningham slipped through the fingers of Malik Beasley and out of bounds, ending the Pistons' season.

It was a high-pressure battle marked by swings in momentum. New York opened strong, building a 15-point lead in the second quarter, but Detroit clawed back and held a narrow two-point advantage by halftime. The third and fourth quarters were a game of runs, with New York extending leads only to see Detroit answer each time.

Down seven with 2:35 remaining, the Knicks rallied behind a fierce 11–1 run to close the game. That finish not only secured a 4–2 series win but also marked the third straight year the Knicks have reached the second round.

Brunson’s clutch showing was his best of the series — 40 points, four rebounds, and seven assists — and came when his team needed it most.

“Jalen’s shot — what can you say? That’s just who he is,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “He steps up when it matters. He’s been doing that all season.”

Brunson, for his part, was quick to credit the team’s composure and chemistry. “We’ve been in close games all year. It comes down to staying calm and trusting each other. I’m just grateful to be surrounded by guys who put in the work,” he said.

One of those teammates was Mikal Bridges, who poured in 25 points on an efficient 68.8% shooting night and was instrumental in keeping the Knicks in rhythm when their offense stalled.

“Everyone will remember the last shot,” Brunson said, “but without the way Mikal played, we’re not in that position. He was tremendous.”

Bridges himself reflected the team’s fire and belief during his post-game interview. “We’re built for this sh*t,” he said emphatically. “We kept fighting. That’s what this team is made of.”

All six games in the series showcased the razor-thin margin between the two sides — the last four games were each decided by three points or fewer. But when the lights shone brightest, the Knicks found a way.

New York now turns its focus to the next challenge: a heavyweight second-round matchup with the reigning champion Boston Celtics, a series already charged with history and high stakes.



By WafricNews Sport Desk.