Detroit brought the noise in Game 3, but Jalen Brunson brought the answers. Fueled by fourth-quarter heroics and aided by strong outings from Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks stole a 118–116 win on the road. With the series now 2–1 in New York’s favor, Brunson continues to thrive under pressure—and prove why he’s the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year.
Detroit fans brought the fire. Jalen Brunson brought the extinguisher.
With the Pistons back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, Little Caesars Arena was rocking—raucous, raw, and ready. Led by Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and a rejuvenated young core, the city has rediscovered its basketball soul. That passion took center stage in Game 3, with the crowd spewing chants—most notably “F* you Brunson**”—at the Knicks’ star point guard.
And what did Brunson do in response?
He smiled, absorbed the venom, and did what he always does: close.
No. 11 continues to justify his “Clutch Player of the Year” crown, averaging nearly 13 points per fourth quarter this postseason. On Thursday night, his poise and precision once again lifted the Knicks to a narrow 118–116 victory, giving them a crucial 2–1 series lead.
“To Jalen, those are cheers; he lives for that stuff,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, via SNY’s Ian Begley.
Brunson posted 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in a hostile environment—and he didn’t do it alone this time.
After a shaky Game 2, Karl-Anthony Towns roared back with 31 points, eight boards, and two blocks, asserting his presence on both ends of the floor. Mikal Bridges also responded to recent criticism, finishing with 20 points, three steals, and two blocks in a versatile two-way performance.
If Towns and Bridges can consistently replicate this level of play, the Knicks begin to look like the dangerous, balanced squad envisioned when the front office assembled this core.
Still, everything flows through Brunson. He’s the engine, the anchor, and the emotional center. And in a playoff environment charged with hostility, he’s thriving like never before.
Game 4 tips off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and the Detroit faithful are sure to raise the volume again. But if the past is any indication, that might only feed the fire burning in Jalen Brunson.