Jalen Brunson put on a clutch-time clinic as the New York Knicks sealed their Eastern Conference First Round series with a dramatic 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons, while the Los Angeles Clippers forced a Game 7 in their playoff battle with the Denver Nuggets.
Brunson poured in 40 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with just four seconds left on the clock, capping off a late comeback after the Pistons had erased an 11-point deficit to lead 112-105 with under three minutes to play.
“None of this happens without my teammates,” Brunson said postgame. “I stay poised and rely on the trust and composure they give me.”
The Knicks now advance to face the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Game 1 tips off Monday.
Brunson received strong support from Mikal Bridges (25 points) and OG Anunoby (22 points), as head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his star guard’s decisive performance. “He’s at his best when his best is needed,” Thibodeau said. “That’s what makes him special.”
Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 23 points, but the Pistons failed to execute late. “We had it and let it slip away,” said head coach Monty Williams.
In Los Angeles, the Clippers bounced back from a Game 5 blowout to defeat the Nuggets 111-105, tying the series 3-3. James Harden led the way with 28 points, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
“It was win or go home — and we didn’t want to go home,” Harden said.
Denver narrowed the gap to five in the final minute, but the Clippers held firm. Game 7 will be played Saturday in Denver.
Nikola Jokic had 25 points for the Nuggets, while Jamal Murray added 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Interim coach David Adelman said Denver’s third-quarter lapse was costly: “That quarter absolutely killed us.”