Jalen Brunson delivered a masterful performance, scoring 40 points, including a game-winning three-pointer, to propel the New York Knicks to a 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons, clinching their Eastern Conference First Round series. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers staved off elimination, defeating the Denver Nuggets 111-105 to force a decisive Game 7 in their playoff series.
Brunson’s clutch three with four seconds left capped a stunning Knicks comeback, overcoming a 112-105 Pistons lead in the final three minutes. Supported by Mikal Bridges (25 points) and OG Anunoby (22 points), Brunson credited his teammates, saying, “I stay poised because of their trust.” Coach Tom Thibodeau lauded his star, noting, “He’s at his best when it matters most.”
JALEN BRUNSON FROM 3 TO WIN IT FOR THE KNICKS 🔥🔥🔥
KNICKS ARE ADVANCING TO EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIS!!!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/sGmjcWhNdj
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2025The Knicks now face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, with Game 1 set for Monday. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham scored 23 points but lamented the loss, with coach Monty Williams admitting, “We let it slip away.”
Clippers Push Nuggets to Game 7
In Los Angeles, James Harden (28 points) and Kawhi Leonard (27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) powered the Clippers to a 111-105 win, tying their series 3-3. “We didn’t want to go home,” Harden said. Despite a late Nuggets rally, the Clippers held firm. Game 7 is slated for Saturday in Denver.
KING OF THE CLUTCH. KING OF NEW YORK 🗽
JALEN BRUNSON & THE KNICKS ADVANCE 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/9bpJiA8KbZ
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) May 2, 2025Nikola Jokic (25 points) and Jamal Murray (21 points, eight rebounds, eight assists) led Denver, but interim coach David Adelman pointed to a third-quarter collapse, saying, “That quarter killed us.”
Jalen Brunson’s heroics secured the Knicks’ place in the semi-finals, while the Clippers’ resilience forced a thrilling Game 7 against the Nuggets. As the NBA playoffs heat up, fans eagerly await the next chapter in these high-stakes matchups.
