Behind the brilliance of Jalen Brunson — who scored 40 points and delivered an instantly iconic tie-breaking 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining — the Knicks escaped Game 6 in Detroit with <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/05/01/sports/jalen-brunson-lifts-knicks-into-second-round-with-3-point-dagger-vs-pistons/">a thrilling 116-113 win</a> to claim their first-round playoff series, setting up <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/05/02/sports/now-comes-the-celtics-showdown-the-knicks-have-long-been-waiting-for/">a conference semifinal showdown</a> with the defending champion Celtics.

Brunson scored 30 points in the first three quarters, then missed eight of nine shots as the Pistons went on a 20-2 run and took a 112-105 lead with 2:35 remaining.

Then, the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/05/02/sports/jalen-brunsons-heroic-shot-the-latest-all-time-knicks-moment/">sparked a series-clinching 11-1 run</a>.

After winning just one playoff series from 2001 to 2022, the Knicks will play in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the third consecutive season.{ai:summary}<p>The Knicks secured a thrilling 116-113 victory over the Pistons in Game 6, thanks to Jalen Brunson's standout performance, scoring 40 points, including a crucial 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. This win advances them to face the Celtics in the conference semifinals. </p><p>Brunson's early scoring helped the Knicks build a lead, but they faced a late challenge as the Pistons surged ahead. However, Brunson led a decisive 11-1 run to clinch the series. #sports</p>

Can Knicks-Celtics live up to the drama of Jalen Brunson’s iconic first-round winner?

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