Pistons Triumph as Brunson's Magic Is Missing in Game 5 Against Knicks

NEW YORK – During the heated first-round battle between the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson, a standout guard, has been delivering thrilling performances in the closing moments of games.

Brunson, awarded the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, played a key role in his team’s come-from-behind victories in Games 1, 3, and 4, averaging more than 13 points in the fourth quarter. This feat marks the highest postseason fourth-quarter scoring average since the play-by-play era started in 1996-97.

It was quite surprising to see Brunson sitting out at the scorer’s table as the Knicks’ precious time evaporated during their 106-103 defeat in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

By maintaining their momentum late, Detroit crushed New York’s hopes of ending the series, closing in at 3-2 and setting the stage for Game 6 back in Detroit on Thursday.

The Pistons took advantage of the Knicks’ struggle to reintegrate two of their starters, who had been sidelined by injuries.

Leading at 95-92 with just under four minutes remaining, the Pistons were on offense when Brunson, defending Detroit’s star Cade Cunningham, appeared to aggravate his right ankle, an injury that’s plagued him since his return from a month-long hiatus.

After Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns excited the crowd with a game-tying 3-pointer, Josh Hart took a hard fall on his back and wrist while trying to block a Cunningham shot, which Jalen Duren converted into a 97-95 lead for Detroit.

Both Brunson and Hart had to leave the game with 2:57 remaining. Hart briefly left for evaluation, while Brunson stayed on the sidelines to recover.

They both headed towards the scorer’s table, ready to rejoin with just under two minutes left and the Pistons leading 101-95. However, with the Knicks out of timeouts and fouls, coach Tom Thibodeau chose not to risk his last timeout or foul to get the starters back.

Time ticked down to just 27 seconds with Detroit up 103-97.

“It was tough,” Brunson admitted, yet he maintained trust and belief in his teammates despite the outcome.

After the game, Thibodeau disclosed his reluctance to use his last timeout or give Detroit free throws. “It was a strategic coach’s decision,” he explained, citing various factors such as timing, score, and penalties.

This loss left the Knicks still seeking a series-clinching victory at the Garden, a feat not achieved since defeating the Indiana Pacers in the 1999 Eastern Conference finals.

However, the Pistons didn’t just benefit from late-game issues and strategic choices. They also received a notable contribution from their second-year forward, Ausar Thompson. Known for his defensive prowess against Brunson but often inconsistent elsewhere, he faced playoff pressures with grace this time, scoring 22 points in 29 minutes on just 10 shots.

Thompson’s improved play allowed Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff to rely on him in crucial moments, benching Dennis Schroder down the stretch.

Consequently, Brunson experienced his toughest performance of the series, with only 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting, a sharp drop from his prior 30-point games against Detroit, and for the first time, he wasn’t a factor in the fourth quarter.

“It all started with Ausar and his defense. He was phenomenal defensively tonight. A lot of credit should be given to him,” Bickerstaff lauded.

Brunson acknowledged Thompson’s defense, saying, “He’s a great defender, with the way he’s been able to pick up and do all the things [he does]. Me, personally, and us as a team, we need to figure out how to combat that.”

Cunningham hit his stride late for the Pistons, amassing 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He was prolific in the second half, with 13 fourth-quarter points.

With New York trailing 103-97, Mikal Bridges’ 3-point play trimmed the deficit with 25 seconds left. After a Schroder free throw pushed Detroit to 104, OG Anunoby nailed another three-pointer, bringing New York within a point.

The Pistons almost lost the ball on the inbounds pass, with Brunson nearly causing a turnover. Yet, Detroit retained possession, and Cunningham sealed the game with two free throws for a three-point lead.

The Knicks’ last hopes dwindled when Miles McBride, intentionally fouled to prevent a game-tying 3 with 2.1 seconds left, faltered by missing his first free throw. His second attempt missed deliberately, but the clock ran out as New York scrambled for the rebound.