The New York Knicks are on the verge of closing out their bruising first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, and they’ll be doing so at full strength. With no names listed on their official injury report, Knicks fans can breathe easy—Jalen Brunson is available and ready to go for Game 5.
Brunson’s presence is crucial, especially considering his dominant performances so far in the series. Averaging 33.3 points across the four games, the star guard has once again proven himself as the heartbeat of the Knicks’ offense. His 32-point, 11-assist showing in Sunday’s Game 4 was a masterclass in leadership and clutch execution, as New York eked out a gritty 94-93 win to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Knicks Eye Historic Series Win at Home
This isn’t just another playoff game—it’s a rare opportunity for the Knicks to clinch a postseason series on their home court for the first time in over two decades. The last time that happened was back on June 11, 1999, when they punched their ticket to the NBA Finals by beating the Indiana Pacers. Since then, Madison Square Garden has seen its share of playoff heartbreak, but Tuesday night could mark a turning point.
Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been the driving force behind New York’s playoff push. Towns, acquired mid-season to bolster the Knicks’ title hopes, has grown more comfortable with each game. After a quiet Game 2 in which he scored just 10 points and didn’t attempt a free throw, Towns exploded for 31 in Game 3 and poured in 27 more in Game 4—including a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer with under a minute left.
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) runs up court after basket during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“He has tremendous confidence,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He shoots the ball like a guard, has unlimited range, and can score off the dribble. We have to continue to search him out.”
That confidence has meshed perfectly with Brunson’s unshakable poise. The Knicks star has now logged four 30-point games in the series, including a key floater and a string of assists that fueled New York’s fourth-quarter comeback in Game 4. With both players healthy and locked in, the Knicks are well-positioned to punch their ticket to the second round for the third straight season.
Physicality and Officiating Stir Controversy
As much as the Knicks’ Game 4 win was about execution, it was also a test of physical and mental toughness. The Pistons erased a 16-point deficit and led by 11 in the fourth quarter before New York rallied late. With under two minutes remaining, Detroit failed to score again, and in the final possession, controversy struck when no foul was called on Josh Hart’s contested defense against Tim Hardaway Jr.
After the game, crew chief David Guthrie admitted to reporters that a foul should have been called on Hart’s closeout. Still, it didn’t change the outcome, and now the Pistons are left fighting for survival.
Both teams have voiced frustration over the officiating throughout the series. In four games, New York has attempted 83 free throws to Detroit’s 98, while total fouls stand at 82 for the Knicks and 90 for the Pistons. But regardless of how the whistles have blown, it’s been Brunson who continues to rise above the chaos with steady playmaking and relentless scoring.
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) goes to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham has done his best to keep the Pistons afloat, posting a triple-double in Game 4 and averaging 46.4% shooting over the past three contests. He’s been the team’s engine, but he can’t do it alone. Tobias Harris has struggled with his shot, going just 8-of-24 in the last two games, and Hardaway, despite a hot stretch from three in Detroit, hasn’t found his rhythm in New York.
If the Pistons are to extend the series to Game 6, they’ll need more consistent support around Cunningham. That starts with knocking down open looks and playing more disciplined defense down the stretch—something they failed to do in Sunday’s narrow loss.
With Jalen Brunson confirmed as active and healthy for Game 5, the Knicks have a prime opportunity to end the series on their terms. Backed by Towns’ offensive firepower, Bridges’ timely shooting, and Hart’s physical edge, New York is poised to advance while leaving Detroit with nothing but bruises and missed chances. Game 5 tips off with everything on the line for the Pistons—and history on the horizon for the Knicks.
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