Carmelo Anthony had just the right reaction to the Knicks’ win. The team is heading to the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. This comes after they defeated the Pistons in six games. The frustration is obvious with the team not having advanced to the conference finals since 2000. It hasn’t been able to make an appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999. Understandably, the stakes are high for the team now. What does the franchise’s seventh-highest points holder think? Although he had an odd reaction to how the game unraveled between the teams, Melo expressed his gratitude to the Pistons.
His response was very much about the star of the show for the Knicks, Jalen Brunson. The star plater’s 3-pointer with just 4.3 seconds left on the clock in Game 6 helped the team clinch a 116-113 win over the Detroit Pistons. It’s not an exaggeration to say how Brunson elevated the Knicks with his 40-point performance, shooting 15 of 33 from the floor. He added seven assists and four rebounds. And this is what surprised Melo.
In a conversation with NBC, Melo alluded to his confusion over how the Pistons’ head coach allowed the team to go one-on-one with Brunson. The Knicks legend suggested that J.B. Bickerstaff should have double-teamed the 2x NBA All-Star. Regardless, he thanked the opponents for the opportunity as the Knicks have moved past the first round.
“I felt like that series was so competitive and so physical. I felt like certain guys on both teams have the opportunity to figure out as the series went along then came down to Jaylen Brunson being a star and putting the ball in his hands and making him make a play. I will say, he paid attention to the whole game. That last play, he was a very smart player. He went to left, came back right. He got the spot. I don’t know why Detroit let him play one on one in those situations, but thank you, Detroit!” Melo noted.
The 2x NBA All-Star had help from Mikal Bridges who dropped 25 points. OG Anunoby elevated the Knicks and added 22 points for the team. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 10 points and added 15 rebounds. While the Pistons put in much effort, it wasn’t enough to defeat the Knicks.
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
Next up, the team will be facing one of the most formidable opponents and the 2024 champions, the Boston Celtics. Well, ahead of the second round, fans and veterans have been showering praises upon the Knicks star.
NBA analyst praised Jalen Brunson
Speaking on the recent segment of Get Up!, the college star turned ESPN Analyst Jay Williams had nothing but praise for the Knicks star. He appreciated how the performance by the NBA star that night was exceptional.
“Clutch isn’t a stat. It’s a mindset. Jalen Brunson has it in his DNA. 1st in usage. 1st in FG made. Just hit the dagger to send Detroit home. Keep doubting him — he keeps closing. That’s not luck. That’s legacy in the making,” he said.
Melo’s words of gratitude for the Detroit Pistons is understandable, considering how much trouble Brunson was for the Knicks. It only intensified when he sealed the victory for the Knicks. Well, the Pistons fans weren’t fond of the seemingly foul-drawing tactics Brunson used against the Pistons.
However, on the other end, things weren’t easy for Brunson either. Fans might find some peace in knowing that the Pistons’ young star Ausar Thompson made it tough for the 2x NBA All-Star.
So after the series, the player made it known to the fans and to Thompson as well. The action isn’t over for the Celtics yet. “That dude was tough to play against. He’s big time. And I told him straight to his face after the series, he made me work. I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Brunson said at the postgame presser. The battle against the Celtics won’t be an easy one. Will the New York Knicks be able to clinch victory?
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