Knicks show crunch time prowess in razor-tight…
DETROIT — The Knicks are in extremely uncommon company.
Their 116-113 Game 6 — and series-clinching — win over the Pistons Thursday night time at Little Caesars Arena was the fourth straight contest that was determined by three factors or fewer — just the second time in NBA historical past that occurred in a playoff collection.
The different got here in the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and 76ers.
The Knicks’ expertise confirmed in crunch time.
They went 3-1 in those 4 video games, executing in crunch time higher than the youthful, much less skilled Pistons.
“It’s all about us staying poised and having our composure,” Jalen Brunson stated. “Obviously you want to have it throughout the game, but it’s most important at the end. We all have each others’ back and we all know what we want to do. And I’m just thankful for my teammates and my coaches.”
It helps having the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year in Brunson, who hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left.
Jalen Brunson (left) celebrates with Walt “Clyde” Frazier after the Knicks’ 116-113 Game 6 series-clinching win on May 1, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images
“He’s at his best when his best is needed,” coach Tom Thibodeau stated. “He’s done it all year. That’s what makes him special.”
But Brunson definitely needed his teammates Thursday night time to help the Knicks end the sport on an 11-1 run after a brutal begin to the fourth quarter.
Mikal Bridges’ tip-in, in explicit, tied the sport at 113-113 with 35.1 seconds left.
Jalen Brunson celebrates with the Knicks’ teaching employees after their Game 6 series-clinching win over the Pistons. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Follow The Post’s protection of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get each day e-newsletter protection and be part of Expert Take for insider texts about the collection.
And the Knicks have proven all 12 months that they’re nicely outfitted for close video games.
They went 7-3 in the common season in video games determined by three factors or fewer.
“It’s huge, and it’s all of us,” Josh Hart stated. “I think everyone out there contributed at the end of the game. Huge, huge shutout to [Bridges]. Shot wasn’t falling in this series, but he did everything else. He was guarding, his defense was amazing in this series. Thirty seconds left, he had one of the biggest plays, an effort tip-in. [Brunson’s] shot was huge. Big credit to him for keeping mentally strong and playing his game.”
Stay up to date with the most recent trending topics! Visit our web site each day for the freshest Sports information and content material, rigorously curated to keep you knowledgeable.
