DETROIT — The Knicks accomplished a franchise first Thursday night: three consecutive road playoff wins.
They ended the Pistons’ season with a dramatic and tense 116-113 Game 6 victory on Jalen Brunson’s 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left.
It was their third win in the series in the Motor City, and the three victories came by a combined six points.
“It’s a great feeling,” Josh Hart said. “Obviously, we’re disappointed we couldn’t do it at home in front of our fans, but that’s one of the best feelings in sports, going into a hostile environment of an opposing team and silencing them.”
The Pistons were in the playoffs for the first time in six years, and their fans brought the energy in each contest.
But the Knicks answered the call.
After blowing an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead, they closed the game on an 11-1 run over the final 2:23 and were able to celebrate in front of the Pistons and their fans.
“We’ve been a pretty good road team all year. So I think to have that focus when you’re on the road, it’s just your group,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Obviously, we have a great fan base, and a lot of our fans travel. But you’re just relying on each other. You have to have belief and trust in each other.”
Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (right knee inflammation) remained out. He had been sidelined since Game 1. Stewart was listed as questionable and took part in shootaround.
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The Knicks have advanced in the playoffs in three straight seasons for the first time since 1998-2000.
After losing the rebounding battle in the first four games of the series, the Knicks out-rebounded the Pistons in the final two contests. They were plus-seven Thursday.
In the third quarter, the Pistons intentionally fouled Mitchell Robinson twice. He missed three of four attempts.
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