Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a thrilling 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of their playoff series, securing a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The game took place on Thursday night, and Brunson emerged as the star player, scoring an impressive 40 points.
With just 4.3 seconds left on the clock, Brunson hit a clutch three-pointer after a dazzling crossover move against Pistons guard Ausar Thompson. This shot not only gave the Knicks the lead but also showcased Brunson’s ability to perform under pressure.
While Brunson shined, Mikal Bridges also made a significant impact. He scored 25 points and was instrumental in the game’s closing moments, tying the score at 113-113 with a crucial tip-in with 35.1 seconds remaining. Bridges also delivered a highlight-reel dunk over Cade Cunningham earlier in the game, adding to the excitement for Knicks fans.
On the other hand, Karl-Anthony Towns had a night to forget. He struggled throughout the game, finishing with only 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting. In the fourth quarter, Towns failed to make an impact, missing both of his shot attempts and committing two turnovers. He had a chance to tie the game from the free-throw line but made just one of two attempts.
The Knicks’ rebounding efforts were a key factor in their victory. They out-rebounded the Pistons 43-36, a significant turnaround after earlier struggles in the series. This strong performance on the boards helped them close out the game successfully.
As the Knicks celebrate their advancement to the next round, fans are hopeful for continued success. Brunson’s heroics and Bridges’ contributions highlight the team’s potential as they move forward in the playoffs.