The entire outlook of the New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons nearly changed with just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter of Game 4. Dennis Schroder was hounding Jalen Brunson up the floor before poking the ball free resulting in both players getting tangled up going for the loose ball. Brunson immediately grabbed at his ankle following the play and slid himself off the court in pain.
After needing a bit of help to get to his feet and walk to the locker room. The Knicks star got his ankle re-wrapped and ultimately made his return to the floor with 10:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.
This was especially notable following Brunson’s ankle issues that took place during the regular season. He missed 15 games and nearly a month of time late in the regular season due to an ankle issue.
Brunson looked like himself when he returned to the floor, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter and living up to his Clutch Player of the Year title. He finished the matchup with 32 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds while shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the three-point arc.
New York secured a 94-93 victory to take a commanding victory with the series now heading back to New York. There is sure to be plenty of discussion this week regarding the lack of whistle on this final play, with the Pistons having a chance to win the game at the buzzer. Regardless, the results have been finalized despite what Josh Hart or the L2M report point to tomorrow.
Now up 3-1 in the series, the Knicks find themselves with -2500 odds to advance to the second round.
Game 5 returns to New York on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden––the Knicks are -205 home favorites on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. Detroit is a +170 underdog and the game total is set at O/U 213.0 points.
Knicks fans can breathe a sigh of relief that Brunson looks to have avoided serious injury issues, keeping all postseason hopes alive.
