Knicks Win First Battle, But Celtics Will Bring Bigger Fight

Jalen Brunson delivered a shot that will echo through Madison Square Garden for years. Now, the New York Knicks must regroup quickly for what’s next: a second-round showdown with the top-seeded Boston Celtics.

Brunson’s game-winning three-pointer with under three seconds left lifted the Knicks past the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 on Thursday night, closing out the series in dramatic fashion.

The All-Star guard finished with 40 points and played the role of closer when New York’s 12-point fourth-quarter lead evaporated.

“I found a way to create separation,” Brunson said, via Mike Vaccarro of the New York Post. “I shot a little earlier than I wanted to, but I had to shoot it — and I got the ball to go in.”

With the score tied and time winding down, Brunson used a crossover to shake rookie Ausur Thompson before launching a straightaway three. It splashed through the net and sealed the series, sending the Detroit crowd into a hush and the Knicks into the second round.

He wasn’t just a one-shot wonder. Down seven with just over two minutes remaining, Brunson strung together a floater for a three-point play, a reverse layup, and a drive that drew multiple defenders — setting up Mikal Bridges for a tip-in.

“What can you say?” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’s timely. He’s at his best when his best is needed. That’s what makes him special.”

Bridges, acquired along with Karl-Anthony Towns in high-cost offseason deals aimed at contending, added 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting—his best game of the playoffs. OG Anunoby chipped in with critical stops late.

And yet, for all the euphoria, there’s no time to savor the moment. Boston awaits.

“The Celtics’ wings — Tatum and Brown — they’re tough,” Bridges said. “But it’s not one-on-one. It’s team defense.”

That defense will need to recover fast. New York’s Game 6 win was emotional and physical, a grind that drained even veteran stars. Towns, no stranger to playoff intensity, said the team needs to embrace the next challenge with “Game 9” energy.

Internally, Brunson’s shot may have saved more than just a season. According to The Athletic, a first-round exit could’ve triggered major changes — possibly including Thibodeau’s job and front office restructuring. Instead, they’re moving on.

And they’re moving fast.

Will the Knicks have enough left in the tank to handle Boston?