DETROIT -- In a thrilling conclusion to their first-round series, the New York Knicks eliminated the Detroit Pistons with a nail-biting 116-113 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena. The game was a showcase of clutch performances, particularly from Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who delivered a tiebreaking three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds left on the clock, sealing the series for New York.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with a sellout crowd of 20,062 fans on the edge of their seats as the game unfolded. The Knicks, who entered the playoffs as the third seed, found themselves in a precarious situation after the Pistons had pushed the series to a decisive Game 6. The tension was palpable, especially as Detroit had taken a 16-point lead in the second quarter and even managed a 20-2 run in the fourth quarter, making the outcome uncertain until the very end.
Brunson’s game-winning shot capped off an incredible night where he scored 40 points and dished out seven assists, marking his fifth game in the series with 30 or more points. His performance was a testament to his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable clutch players, having recorded an NBA-best 52 baskets in clutch situations during the regular season. "He’s at his best when his best is needed and he’s done it all year," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. "That’s what makes him special."
In the final seconds, with the score tied, Brunson faced off against 6-foot-6 Ausar Thompson, a formidable defender throughout the series. With a quick step-back move, Brunson created just enough space to launch his 25-foot shot, which dropped through the net, sending the Knicks bench into a frenzy and leaving the Pistons stunned.
Mikal Bridges also played a key role in the victory, contributing 25 points, while OG Anunoby added 22 points. The Knicks’ ability to close out the game was crucial, especially after they had lost an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Pistons, who were making their first playoff appearance since 2019, showed remarkable resilience throughout the series but ultimately fell short. Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff reflected on the close nature of the series, stating, "We did so many things well and gave ourselves a chance. They just made one more play than we did."
For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham led the scoring with 23 points, alongside eight assists and seven rebounds. However, his struggles from beyond the arc were evident as he finished 0 for 8 on three-pointers. Tim Hardaway Jr. also faced difficulties, scoring just seven points on 1 of 6 shooting from three-point range. Despite the loss, the Pistons made significant strides this season, ending the NBA’s longest playoff losing streak and demonstrating their potential for the future.
The series itself was historic, with the final four games decided by a mere nine points combined, marking the second time in NBA history that a postseason series featured four consecutive games decided by three points or fewer. The only other instance was during the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics.
Now, the Knicks advance to face the Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals, a matchup that promises to be challenging. Brunson acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming series, stating, "We’re playing the defending champs next time, so it’s going to be a lot different. The Celtics have experience."
As the Knicks prepare for this next challenge, they carry with them the confidence gained from their hard-fought victory over the Pistons. Brunson’s late-game heroics have established him as a key player for New York, and if they can maintain their composure and execution, they may just have a fighting chance against the formidable Celtics.
In the end, the Knicks’ victory not only secures their place in the next round but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that the NBA playoffs bring. With the second round set to begin, all eyes will be on New York as they aim to make a deeper run into the postseason.
ESPN's Eric Woodyard contributed to this report.
