Knicks show crunch time prowess in razor-tight series win over Pistons

DETROIT — The Knicks are in incredibly rare company. 

Their 116-113 Game 6 — and series-clinching — win over the Pistons Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena was the fourth straight contest that was decided by three points or fewer — just the second time in NBA history that happened in a playoff series.

The other came in the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and 76ers. 

The Knicks’ experience showed in crunch time.

They went 3-1 in those four games, executing in crunch time better than the younger, less experienced Pistons. 

“It’s all about us staying poised and having our composure,” Jalen Brunson said. “Obviously you want to have it throughout the game, but it’s most important at the end. We all have each others’ back and we all know what we want to do. And I’m just thankful for my teammates and my coaches.” 

It helps having the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year in Brunson, who hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. 

“He’s at his best when his best is needed,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’s done it all year. That’s what makes him special.” 

But Brunson certainly needed his teammates Thursday night to help the Knicks finish the game on an 11-1 run after a brutal start to the fourth quarter.

Mikal Bridges’ tip-in, in particular, tied the game at 113-113 with 35.1 seconds left. 

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And the Knicks have shown all year that they’re well equipped for close games.

They went 7-3 in the regular season in games decided by three points or fewer. 

“It’s huge, and it’s all of us,” Josh Hart said. “I think everyone out there contributed at the end of the game. Huge, huge shutout to [Bridges]. Shot wasn’t falling in this series, but he did everything else. He was guarding, his defense was amazing in this series. Thirty seconds left, he had one of the biggest plays, an effort tip-in. [Brunson’s] shot was huge. Big credit to him for keeping mentally strong and playing his game.”