There won’t be a Game 7 in the Knicks vs Pistons series. The Detroit Pistons’ season came to a dramatic end in Game 6, as Jalen Brunson delivered a crushing blow with a game-winning three-pointer, lifting the New York Knicks to a 116-113 victory.
The Knicks vs Pistons score was tight throughout, but Brunson’s shot with just 4.3 seconds left sealed the win and the series for New York. The star guard dropped 40 points to lead all scorers and now advances the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Pistons’ Late Collapse Ends Promising Run
The Pistons, aiming to force a Game 7 in this intense NBA matchup, held a 112-105 lead with under three minutes to play. But New York closed the game on an 11-1 run, capitalizing on missed opportunities and a costly turnover by Detroit’s Malik Beasley in the final seconds.
Cade Cunningham had a chance to give the Pistons a late lead but missed a tough layup with 20.6 seconds remaining. He ended the night with 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals. On the final play, Cunningham found Beasley wide open on the wing, but the pass slipped through his hands and went out of bounds.
Knicks vs Pistons Prediction Proves Accurate
Heading into the series, many Knicks vs Pistons predictions favored New York, but few expected such a dramatic finish. The Knicks’ resilience showed once again as they bounced back from a sluggish start and capitalized on Detroit’s late mistakes.
The win means the Knicks will face the Boston Celtics in the next round, with Game 1 set for Monday in Boston.
Pistons Rally in Fourth, Then Fall Short
The fourth quarter looked like Detroit’s moment. Trailing by 11 after a rough third quarter, the Pistons opened the fourth on an 18-7 run to tie the game at 103. They held the Knicks to just 33.3% shooting during the period and appeared to gain full momentum.
Tim Hardaway Jr. hit a crucial three-pointer, and Ausar Thompson tied it with a tough layup. Thompson’s energy and defense sparked a 20-2 surge, giving the Pistons a 112-105 lead. But the Knicks stayed composed, and Brunson’s final bucket changed everything.
Knicks vs Pistons Game 5 Set the Tone
While Game 6 was the decider, Knicks vs Pistons Game 5 showed just how close this series was. The Knicks had edged out a hard-fought win, setting up their series-clinching opportunity. New York’s balance and veteran leadership again came through when it mattered.
Beasley’s First-Half Explosion
Malik Beasley, who had struggled throughout the NBA postseason, exploded for 18 points in the first half, knocking down six of 11 from deep. His final three-pointer of the half gave the Pistons a 61-59 lead and energized the home crowd.
Detroit had trailed by as many as 15, but Beasley led a second-quarter comeback that shifted the game’s momentum. Unfortunately, he couldn’t repeat the magic in the second half, and his final miscue proved costly.
Knicks Look Ahead, Pistons Regroup
Now that the Knicks vs Pistons series is over, New York prepares for a tough matchup against the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. Fans are already searching for Knicks tickets as the excitement builds around this playoff run.
As for Detroit, despite the heartbreaking end, this season marked progress. Their two playoff wins were the most in 17 years and offered a glimpse into a promising future led by Cunningham and Thompson.
NBA Playoffs Heat Up: Clippers vs Nuggets Looms
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Clippers vs Nuggets series is heating up as another must-watch matchup. As the playoffs intensify, fans can expect more drama like what we saw in the Knicks vs Pistons showdown.
Final Thoughts
The Knicks vs Pistons series delivered high-level basketball, late-game heroics, and emotional swings — everything fans love about the NBA postseason. Jalen Brunson’s clutch performance cemented his status as a playoff star, and the Knicks continue their title chase with momentum on their side.