Jalen Brunson proved once again why he’s the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year. With just 5.1 seconds left on the clock, Brunson drilled a tiebreaking three-pointer, sealing a dramatic 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons and sending the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Brunson’s 40-point performance was a masterclass in composure under pressure. The Knicks trailed by seven with under three minutes to play, and ESPN Analytics gave them only a 7% chance to win. But a furious 11-1 closing run flipped the game on its head.
“I stay poised and I rely on the trust and composure my teammates give me,” Brunson said postgame.
Detroit’s hopes of overtime were dashed when Malik Beasley mishandled a final inbounds pass with just 0.4 seconds remaining.
Mikal Bridges added 25 points and OG Anunoby chipped in 22 for New York, who now face the defending champion Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup beginning Monday.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Pistons ended a years-long playoff drought and showed promise for the future. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 23 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.
The Knicks are now just one series away from their first conference finals appearance since 2000.
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