Cover Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images

If you’re here, you love sports. Why not show that love with some new gear? Fanatics has it all, on sale! Click our link to help support us, as we will receive a small payment. Can’t go wrong with new gear! 

https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/POVa6X

The more aggressive team won the game and, ultimately, the series. The Knicks took the fight to the Pistons in Game 6 of their first round series of the NBA Playoffs. The Pistons seemed resigned to throwing up three-point shots, rather than driving to the basket the way New York did consistently. 

There were highlights. Malik Beasley hit a three at the buzzer to put the Pistons up two at halftime. With 6:06 left to play, Detroit tied the score at 103-103 after an 11-0 run. They even had a seven point lead with 2:24 left to play. Karl Anthony Towns fouled out with 49.8 to go. 

The Pistons failed to capitalize on the success they found in Game 5, however, where Ausar Thompson shut down Jalen Brunson to help Detroit force Game 6 at home. As I wrote in my Game 6 preview story: 

“Brunson had scored more than 30 points in each of the first four games, averaging 33.25 points, 4.25 rebounds and 8.75 assists, but something changed in Game 5. Brunson struggled, scoring only 16 points on 25 percent shooting from the field, adding three rebounds, seven assists and four turnovers.” 

In Game 6, Detroit reverted back to Dennis Schröder defending Brunson, and boy did Brunson make the Pistons pay. Brunson’s stat line: 40 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. When the Pistons did put Thompson on Brunson, with less than a minute to play, it was too late. Brunson was having himself a game and the series-ending shot. 

This was a failure by the coaching staff. The Pistons were nine of 34 from three, hitting only one of 11 in the second half. 

There was plenty to appreciate about this season, but this game and series will sting for a while. These Pistons were good enough to advance past New York, but the opportunity was wasted by a very bad game plan. 

Follow us on X/Instagram @MiSportsMedia , @JaceOSweet and @KPKBaltimore for all of your Michigan sports news! Subscribe to the site so you don’t miss an article! 

If you like video content, subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we host multiple shows, all about Michigan Sports! 

Help our team with a donation, you will see the button at the bottom left of the page. Thank you!