Jalen Brunson scores 40 points to lead Knicks past Pistons as Clippers force Game 7

Brunson's game-winning three-pointer seals series win for New York; Clippers force Game 7 against Denver.

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks to the media following Game 6 of the first-round matchup against the Detroit Pistons on May 1, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Jalen Brunson scores 40 points in a dazzling performance to lift the New York Knicks to a thrilling 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, clinching a 4-2 first-round series win and securing a place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Knicks will now face reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, in what promises to be a fierce postseason clash.

Brunson’s clutch three-pointer with just four seconds remaining capped a dramatic comeback for the Knicks, who trailed by seven points with less than three minutes to play. The Pistons, desperate to extend the series, had fought back from a double-digit second-half deficit only to see their hopes dashed in the final seconds by Brunson’s ice-cold finish.

The win sends New York to the next round while intensifying the spotlight on Brunson, who has been a standout throughout the season. His latest heroics continue to raise his stature as one of the league’s most dependable clutch performers.

Knicks storm into semi-finals behind Brunson’s brilliance

Brunson was unstoppable from the opening tip, dropping 15 points in the first quarter alone as New York raced to a 37-23 lead. His aggressive drives and mid-range accuracy set the tone, and his confidence never wavered even as the Pistons mounted multiple rallies.

By the end of the night, Brunson had totaled 40 points on efficient shooting, adding four rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges chipped in 25 points and OG Anunoby provided crucial support with 22, helping the Knicks overcome Detroit’s surging offense late in the game.

"Jalen’s shot, what can you say?" Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau remarked after the game. "He’s at his best when his best is needed, and he’s done it all year. That’s what makes him special."

Pistons’ late push falls short

The Pistons, playing in front of a raucous home crowd, showed resilience throughout the contest. Led by Cade Cunningham’s 23 points, Detroit clawed back into the game in the second quarter behind Malik Beasley’s sharpshooting and Jalen Duren’s inside presence. Beasley finished with 20 points, including five three-pointers in the first half, while Duren added 21.

Detroit erased a 14-point deficit and briefly held a 112-105 lead with under three minutes to go. However, they struggled to close out the Knicks defensively as Brunson took control. Cunningham missed a critical layup that could have put the Pistons back on top in the final minute, setting up Brunson’s game-winner.

Despite the loss, Pistons coach Monty Williams praised his team’s effort. "We showed fight, and we were in a position to win," Williams said. "We’ll learn from this and come back stronger."

Clippers rally past Nuggets to force decisive Game 7

While the Knicks were celebrating on the East Coast, the Western Conference delivered its own drama as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-105 at the Intuit Dome. The win tied the series at 3-3 and ensured a win-or-go-home Game 7 in Denver on Saturday.

Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after being fouled by James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter of Game 6 in the Western Conference first-round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on May 1, 2025, in Inglewood, California. Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

James Harden led the way for the Clippers with 28 points, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a vintage two-way performance. The duo helped Los Angeles recover from a humbling Game 5 loss, turning the series momentum in their favor.

"It was win or go home—and we didn’t want to go home," Harden said post-game. "We’ve got one more game. We’ve got to be better, clean up the mental mistakes, and bring our best."

Third-quarter surge lifts Clippers

The game remained tight through the first half, but the Clippers exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 32-22 to establish a cushion that proved decisive. At one point, Los Angeles held a 15-point lead with just under six minutes left.

Although Denver mounted a late push, cutting the deficit to five points in the final minute, the Clippers maintained their composure, converting crucial free throws and defensive stops to close out the win.

Denver interim head coach David Adelman acknowledged the turning point. "We got sped up, we didn’t handle it," Adelman said. "That third quarter absolutely killed us. We played a really good fourth, but it was too late."

Nuggets look ahead to Game 7 showdown

Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic finished with 25 points, and Jamal Murray added 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists for the Nuggets. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome a balanced Clippers offense and defensive intensity that stifled Denver’s rhythm in key stretches.

For the Clippers, the victory sets up one of the most anticipated Game 7 matchups of the postseason. With stars on both sides and high stakes on the line, Saturday’s game in Denver is expected to be a tense, high-energy affair.

"We know what’s at stake," said Leonard. "We’ve been here before, and we’re ready."

What’s next for the Knicks and Clippers

The New York Knicks now prepare for their semi-final showdown with the Boston Celtics, a series that carries deep historical weight. With Brunson in top form and a strong supporting cast, the Knicks hope to carry their momentum forward.

Meanwhile, the Clippers face the challenge of closing out the reigning champions on the road. Game 7s are always unpredictable, but with Leonard and Harden locked in, Los Angeles remains confident.

Thursday night’s NBA action proved once again why the postseason delivers the league’s most compelling storylines. Whether it’s Jalen Brunson scoring 40 points to lift the Knicks or the Clippers surviving to fight another day, the drama is just getting started.