Pistons Edge Knicks in Game 5, Series Moves Back to Detroit

NEW YORK — The Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 105-100 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference playoff series on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Star guard Jalen Brunson, the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, had a spectacular run throughout the series, averaging over 13 points in the fourth quarter. However, Brunson found himself sidelined during the crucial moments of this game, unable to help his team as the clock wound down.

With under four minutes remaining, Brunson injured his right ankle while trying to defend fellow star Cade Cunningham. This incident came just moments after Knicks’ shooting guard Josh Hart exited the game due to injury. After a shocking 3-pointer from Hart tied the game at 95, Brunson and Hart were forced to the bench with 2:57 left on the clock.

Despite the injuries, Detroit took advantage. Leading 95-92, they continued to attack, with Cunningham making critical plays down the stretch. Coach Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks faced the difficult decision of whether to call a timeout or risk leaving his starters on the bench with only one timeout remaining.

“It was tough,” Brunson acknowledged postgame, expressing his confidence in his teammates despite the loss. Thibodeau shared his reasoning for not using his last timeout, emphasizing the strategic considerations of time management in tight games.

The defeat marked the Knicks’ inability to finish the series at home, as they have not clinched a victory at Madison Square Garden since 1999. Meanwhile, forward Ausar Thompson emerged as a key player for Detroit, scoring 22 points in 29 minutes and playing strong defense against Brunson.

“It all started with Ausar and his defense. He was phenomenal defensively tonight,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Brunson noted, “Me, personally, and us as a team, we need to figure out how to combat that.”

Cunningham led the Pistons with 24 points, contributing significantly in the second half with 13 points in the fourth quarter. The game concluded with the Knicks’ hopes dashed as they failed to capitalize on late opportunities, including a missed free throw by Dennis Schröder with just seconds left on the clock.

The series now shifts back to Detroit for Game 6 on Thursday. Fans are eager to see if the Knicks can regain their momentum or if the Pistons will take further control.