Jalen Brunson delivered a performance for the ages in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, leading the New York Knicks to a dramatic 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons, clinching the series 4-2 and advancing to the second round for the third consecutive year.

With the score tied at 113 and less than five seconds left, Brunson took control. He drained a clutch three-pointer from the top of the arc, giving the Knicks a 116-113 lead. On the Pistons’ final possession, Detroit guard Malik Beasley mishandled a pass from Cade Cunningham, and the ball sailed out of bounds, sealing the Knicks’ victory.

The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading momentum throughout. The Knicks had a commanding 15-point lead in the second quarter, but the Pistons clawed their way back, taking a two-point advantage by halftime. The back-and-forth continued in the second half, as New York went on several runs only to watch Detroit fight back.

With just over two minutes remaining, the Knicks found themselves down by seven. But in true playoff fashion, they closed the game with an 11-1 run, with Brunson leading the charge, capped off by his decisive three-pointer.

Brunson’s 40-point performance, along with four rebounds and seven assists, was the standout moment of the game and his best of the series. His clutch play in the final minutes proved invaluable for the Knicks, who have now reached the Eastern Conference semifinals for the third consecutive season.

The series was tightly contested, with the last four games decided by three points or less, making this victory even sweeter for the Knicks and their fans. With Brunson’s leadership and the team’s resilience, New York will look to carry this momentum into the next round of the playoffs.