The first quarter is logically dominated by Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, who take advantage of the spaces left by a fairly absent Detroit defense (23-37). With more physical impact, the pistons defend better at the start of the second quarter. It is accompanied by some award -winning shoots by Malik Beasley. Thus, the gap is reduced a little. Especially since New York has good shoots but is experiencing an address failure of several minutes. JB Bickerstaff troops jump at the opportunity to come back and pass in front in the last minute of the first period. Beasley takes care, at the buzzer and 3-PTS, confirm the advantage at the break (61-59).
The concern is that everything stops in the third quarter. The 3-PTS address is no longer there for the pistons, which also lose balloons. Their attack is only due to free throws, while in front, New York can rely on Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. The Knicks therefore resume the advantage before the last act (85-96). Again, this match changes its face with Cade Cunningham which plays the transitions thoroughly. Detroit continues the baskets and Tim Hardaway Jr. even unlocks (finally) the 3-PTS counter from the second period.
The winning shoot for Jalen Brunson. Obviously !
There are then six minutes to play and the two teams are tied. The pistons had taken a short advance, quickly eliminated by Jalen Brunson. First clumsy, the playmaker finds his hand and allows New York to come back. However, a minute from the term, it is stopped by Ausar Thompson, whose activity in the second period was precious. This does not prevent Mikal Bridges from equalizing on an offensive rebound 35 seconds from the term.
The rest? Cade Cunningham is missing a layup and Brunson performs a perfect action: a dribbling to eliminate Thompson and a 3-PTS shoot. The pistons will lose the ball on the restart and thus let the Knicks spin in the conference semi-final (113-116). Next opponent: Boston, the defending champion!
-What to remember
– Jalen Brunson’s dream evening. 40 points and the victory basket, therefore of qualification: how to do better for the playmaker of the Knicks? He worn his family while Karl-Anthony Towns was not in a big night. He scored 10 points, half of those of his team, in the last quarter. Above all, its 3-PTS shoot to kill the pistons, with this dribbling to completely eliminate Ausar Thompson, is superb.
– The pistons come out with their heads. Despite the clumsiness at 3-PTS (9/34), the 15 lost balloons and the 23 faults committed, the troops of JB Bickerstaff gave everything. Whenever New York has taken the advantage, an effort was made to return. Except at the end therefore, with this last possession which will leave regrets. But as expected on paper before the start of the series, Detroit was painful to play for New York, very tough, and fans can be proud of the face and level shown in these six matches.
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How to read the stats? Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; O = offensive rebound; D = defensive rebound; T = total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; +/- = Differential points when the player is on the field; Pts = points; EVAL: evaluation of the player calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
