Jalen Brunson Proves Status As Clutch Player Of The Year In Highly Competitive Series Against Pistons

The NBA’s 2025 clutch player of the year showed exactly why he has the title.

The New York Knicks are advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals after beating the Detroit Pistons 116-113 in game six. Knicks star Jalen Brunson made a three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left in the game, sending the Knicks to the next round.

The Knicks held the lead for most of the game, leading by as much as 15 points. A Pistons rally brought Detroit back in the game, giving them a 112-105 lead with 2:35 remaining.

Brunson took over, making three shots, including the dagger to end the game. He finished the game with 40 points.

“I stay poised and I rely on the trust and composure my teammates give me,” Brunson said.

OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges also had big nights, finishing with 22 points and 25 points, respectively, for the Knicks.

The series was highly competitive, with the last four games being decided by three points or fewer. The Knicks will go on to play the Boston Celtics.

The Pistons will head home, but with a future filled with young talent and potential. Pistons star Cade Cunningham was just as dominant as Brunson throughout the series. He finished game six with 23 points and eight assists.

“We proved to ourselves and to the rest of the league that what we have in our room can be very successful,” Cunningham said.