CNN
–
Jalen Brunson is a Game 6 hero, earning a game high 40 points (including the ultimate game winner) and won the New York Knicks 116-113 against the Detroit Pistons, progressing to the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
The score tied up at 113, with just over five seconds remaining, with Branson nailing a three-pointer from the top of the arc giving the Knicks the lead. And that was enough as Pistons guard Malik Beasley can’t control the pass from Cade Cunningham and watched helplessly as it sails outside of its next possession.
It was a winning streak at both ends of the court. With a maximum of 15 people in the second quarter, the Knicks lost their rhythm and the Pistons had a two-point lead at halftime.
The second half continued in almost the same pattern. New York made multiple runs, leading the way in the majority of the fourth quarter and early quarter at age 10 and above.
Despite falling with seven people with the remaining 2:35, New York ended the game with an 11-1 run, securing the victory and earning a Series 4-2 to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. This is the third consecutive season that the Knicks have reached the second round.
The final four games of the series were decided by under three points, and it was the perfect time for the Knicks captain to appear in the clutch. Branson’s 40 points, four rebounds and seven assists were already the best performances of the strong series.
“Jaylen’s shot, what can you say? You know, timely. He’s at his best when he needs his best. He did it all year round. That’s what makes him special.”
When asked about the winner of the game, the two-time NBA All-stars highlighted the trust he has in his teammates and how their work allows him to play in high pressure situations.
“It’s all about us being calm and calm. Obviously, we want to have it throughout the game, but in the end it’s the most important thing. We all have each other’s backs. We all know what we want to do.
Branson was particularly complementing the influence of Mikal Bridge. The small forward scored 25 points and had a team-high 68.8 field goal percentage overnight.
“Obviously, everyone is going to say a lot about the last shot, but throughout the game, we all remained composed and the way he (Bridge) played, it was… incredible.
Bridge explained in an on-court interview how the Knicks returned from the brink in less than three minutes. “This is all we are, we are all that.
New York will face defending champion Boston Celtics in the next round.
