The New York Knicks barely eliminated the Detroit Pistons 116-113 to move on in the NBA Playoffs on May 1st in the Little Caesars Arena.
The NBA Playoffs is one of the most anticipated series in all of sports every single year. All teams and players come into the new season looking to obtain an NBA Finals championship ring.
The Knicks jolted ahead early as they got out to a hot start from down low with their all star guard Jalen Brunson leading the way. The Knicks defense gifted them a 14-point lead early as the Pistons shot 2/9 from three in the first quarter.
Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau gave credit to his starters for playing aggressively.
“I thought the whole starting group was being aggressive, getting stops, and then pushing the ball up the court,” says former coach of the year Thibodeau.
The Pistons were able to fight their way back into the game in the second quarter after adjusting to the Knicks quick pace of play. Young star Ausar Thompson was the man to credit for slowing down the Knicks as his amazing on-ball defense contained Brunson.
All-NBA Point Guard Cade Cunningham gave credit to Thompson when asked about him in his post-game interview.
“Man, he’s been amazing. He’s done so many things. You know obviously his skill set is always putting us in the right positions,” says Cunningham.
The game ended in a dramatic fashion when Brunson hit a go-ahead three with 0.8 seconds left to take the lead in a tied game. The shot was felt all through Detroit as their fan’s championship dreams that were long awaited had to be put on standby for another year.
Thibodeau gave Brunson his flowers for his ability to perform in the clutch when asked about the shot.
“You know, he’s at his best when his best is needed. He’s done it all year. That’s what makes him special,” says Thibodeau.
