Jalen Brunson's game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining propelled the New York Knicks to a 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third consecutive season. The thrilling series concluded at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, silencing what had been a raucous crowd.

Brunson's clutch performance, highlighted by 40 points and seven assists, was instrumental in overcoming the Pistons' resilient effort. The Knicks, who had blown leads of 15 points in the second quarter and 11 in the fourth, found themselves trailing before Brunson initiated an 11-1 run to close out the game. His decisive crossover move on Ausar Thompson created the space for the game-winning shot, quieting the Detroit crowd that had been intensely heckling him throughout the series.

While Brunson was the clear hero, he received crucial support from teammates. Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points, OG Anunoby added 22 points and three steals, and Josh Hart chipped in with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Despite an off shooting night, Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 15 rebounds, helping the Knicks secure crucial stops down the stretch. The Knicks' defense stiffened when it mattered most, holding the Pistons to just one free throw in the final 2:35 and forcing three turnovers.

The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham's 23 points and eight assists, displayed grit and physicality throughout the series, but ultimately fell short. Malik Beasley provided a spark with 18 first-half points, all from beyond the arc, but the team struggled with consistent outside shooting, particularly in the game's crucial moments. Cunningham, in particular, went 0-for-8 from three-point range, contributing to the Pistons' overall struggles from deep.

Despite the loss, the Pistons showcased significant improvement from the previous season, tripling their win total and earning the sixth seed in the playoffs. They proved to be a competitive team, pushing the Knicks to the brink in nearly every game. Jalen Duren was a standout performer for Detroit in Game 6, contributing 21 points and solid defense.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson's ability to perform at his best when needed most, highlighting his consistent excellence throughout the year. Josh Hart emphasized the team's toughness and mental resilience, noting their ability to rally from fourth-quarter deficits in multiple games. The Knicks now face a challenging matchup against the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a team that swept them in the regular season.

Brunson's game-winning shot not only secured the series victory but also etched his name in Knicks history. It marked the first time the Knicks have won three consecutive road playoff games in franchise history. Social media erupted with praise for Brunson, with teammates and fans alike celebrating his clutch performance.