In a thrilling conclusion to their first-round playoff series, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Detroit Pistons with a 116-113 win on May 1, 2025, sealing a 4-2 series victory and advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The game was a nail-biter, showcasing the resilience and talent of the Knicks, led by their star player, Jalen Brunson.
Brunson delivered a masterclass performance, scoring 40 points, including a crucial three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds remaining that clinched the win for New York. This decisive shot capped an impressive 11-1 run that turned the tide in the Knicks' favor, allowing them to escape a precarious situation where they trailed by seven points with just over two minutes left.
Detroit, aiming to become only the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit, had fought valiantly throughout the game. They surged ahead to a 112-105 lead late in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to Cade Cunningham, who finished the game with 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. However, the Pistons' hopes were dashed as they stumbled in the final moments, missing critical shots and committing turnovers.
The first half of the game was a rollercoaster ride. The Knicks started strong, establishing a 37-23 lead after the first quarter. Brunson was on fire, contributing 15 points in that opening frame. However, the Pistons rallied in the second quarter, outscoring New York 34-17, largely thanks to Malik Beasley, who hit six three-pointers and ended the half with 18 points. His buzzer-beater three-pointer sent Detroit into halftime with a narrow 61-59 lead.
As the second half commenced, the Knicks adjusted their strategy and came out with renewed focus. They dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Pistons by 13 points, 37-24. The Knicks' defense tightened, limiting Detroit's shooting opportunities while Brunson and Mikal Bridges combined for 21 points in the period, building an 11-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the momentum shift again as Detroit clawed back into the game. With 2:38 remaining, the Pistons had a 112-105 advantage, and it seemed they might force a Game 7 back in New York. However, the Knicks showed their mettle. Brunson, who was named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, took control, scoring eight of the team’s final 11 points. His game-winning three-pointer was not just a reflection of his skill but also of his ability to perform under pressure.
Detroit’s late-game struggles were evident. Following Brunson's clutch shot, the Pistons had a chance to regain the lead, but Cunningham missed a contested layup with 20.6 seconds left. In a heartbreaking sequence, Detroit's Malik Beasley received an open pass for a potential game-tying three but fumbled the ball, resulting in a turnover that sealed their fate.
Brunson's performance was complemented by contributions from his teammates, with Mikal Bridges scoring 25 points and OG Anunoby adding 22. For Detroit, Jalen Duren and Malik Beasley also had notable performances, scoring 21 and 20 points, respectively.
As the dust settles on this hard-fought series, the Knicks are set to face the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for May 5, 2025. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Knicks look to continue their playoff journey against a formidable opponent.
For the Pistons, this season marked a significant improvement, ending with two playoff victories—two more than they had achieved in their previous 17 seasons combined. Despite the disappointment of not advancing further, their performance this season provides a foundation for future success. The team will look to build on this year's progress and address the shortcomings that led to their elimination.
As the NBA playoffs continue, fans can expect more high-stakes action, and the Knicks will be eager to prove themselves against the Celtics. Will they be able to carry their momentum forward, or will the Celtics' championship pedigree prove too much? Only time will tell as the excitement of the playoffs unfolds.
