NBA Playoffs: Brunson's heroics lift Knicks to semis, Clippers force Nuggets to Game 7

Thursday night's NBA Playoffs First Round featured two gripping contests, each concluding with high drama and significant implications for the playoff bracket. One series ended with a moment of individual brilliance, while another was pushed to the absolute limit, requiring a winner-take-all showdown.

(2) Detroit Pistons-New York Knicks (4): 113-116

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by defeating the Detroit Pistons 116-113 in Game 6, winning the series 4-2. The game was tied in the final seconds when Knicks guard Jalen Brunson delivered the decisive blow, sinking a game-winning three-pointer with just 5.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Despite battling an ankle injury and facing tough defense, Brunson was sensational for the Knicks, finishing the game with a stellar 40 points. New York had held significant double-digit leads earlier in the game, including a 15-point advantage in the first half and an 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but saw them evaporate.

 The Pistons outscored the Knicks by 16 in a difficult second quarter for New York. In the game's final minutes, Detroit also squandered a five-point lead. On the last possession with a chance to tie, the Pistons' play broke down; Cade Cunningham faced a double-team and passed to Malik Beasley, who fumbled the ball out of bounds. While the loss ended their season, the Pistons should be commended for their performance in the series.

 After a challenging 14-win season in 2023-24, Detroit showed significant improvement this year, returning to relevance and pushing the third-seeded Knicks to six games despite key players like Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart (who played only 19 minutes in Game 1 before injury) being sidelined or limited. The Knicks now advance to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday at TD Garden.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers-Denver Nuggets (3): 111-105

Out in the Western Conference, the series between the LA Clippers and the Denver Nuggets reached a thrilling crescendo. The Clippers secured a vital 111-105 victory in Game 6, tying the series at 3-3 and forcing a decisive Game 7. That winner-take-all showdown will take place back in Denver on Saturday. The Clippers' win came after a hard-fought battle where they had to overcome a late 11-2 run by the Nuggets in the fourth quarter that cut into their lead. The Clippers managed to win despite struggling with shooting at times, particularly from three-point range in the first half (missing 18 of 22 attempts) and near the basket in the fourth quarter.

Their success was attributed to playing "complementary basketball" and winning the "possession battle." The Clippers forced key turnovers from the Nuggets (seven fewer overall, eight in the second quarter alone) and secured more offensive rebounds (winning the battle overall). James Harden provided a crucial offensive spark with 17 second-quarter points, and Ivica Zubac's put-back gave them a halftime lead.

A key adjustment in the second half involved Nic Batum being inserted into the opening lineup; his activity significantly impacted the game on both ends and made defending Nuggets star Nikola Jokic more effective through double-teams, allowing the Clippers to build and ultimately hold their lead. The Clippers' gritty Game 6 performance ensures their season continues for one more high-stakes game.