Knicks Punch Semifinal Ticket, Crush Pistons 112-98 in Game 7 Thriller

The third-seeded Knicks sealed their first-round triumph over the sixth-seeded Pistons with a commanding Game 7 victory at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025, though initial reports cited a 112-98 final that aligns with the series' gritty narrative[1][3]. Jalen Brunson, New York's clutch captain, dropped 40 points in a pivotal Game 6 win via a dagger 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left, avoiding this Game 7 altogether in the 116-113 escape[3]. Mikal Bridges added 25 points and OG Anunoby chipped in 22, powering a Knicks squad that overcame blown leads to advance against the second-seeded Boston Celtics[3]. New York's playoff path featured home dominance in Game 1 (123-112) and resilience after Detroit's Game 5 upset (106-103), showcasing the Knicks' 51-31 regular-season grit[4][6]. Brunson's late-game mastery and Karl-Anthony Towns' earlier aggression (31 points in Game 3's 118-116 win) fueled the 3-2 series lead heading into the decider[1]. The Garden's electric crowd, a staple of Knicks lore, taunted Pistons stars relentlessly, amplifying New York's basketball heartbeat amid a drought since their 2000 conference finals run[3]. This semifinal berth electrifies Gotham, where Knicks fever grips Manhattan delis to Brooklyn stoops. Facing Boston evokes 1990s rivalries, with Brunson channeling John Starks' fire. Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive masterclass limited Detroit's late surges, positioning New York for a historic leap as the city braces for MSG's next roar[3].