FOLLOWING THE FINAL buzzer that sealed the New York Knicks` Game 6 victory against the Detroit Pistons, enabling them to advance, forward Mikal Bridges, amidst the celebration on the court at Little Caesars Arena, prepared for an interview with renowned commentator Mike Breen.
Bridges contributed a crucial play in the win: a left-handed putback with 35 seconds remaining to level the score, setting the stage for teammate Jalen Brunson`s decisive winning three-pointer. The veteran wing, visibly energized, was questioned by Breen about the Knicks` tendency for dramatic finishes.
“We`re made for this,” the typically reserved Bridges exclaimed, expressing the team`s resilience in clutch situations, before Breen gently reminded him they were broadcasting live.
Regardless of the on-air slip, Bridges` sentiment was clear and justifiable. The Game 6 comeback, where the Knicks overcame a seven-point gap in the final 2:30, capped a series where the last four contests were decided by margins of three points or less. This dramatic run led to an anticipated conference semifinal clash against the reigning champion Boston Celtics, a series where New York was expected to struggle in close finishes.
In their regular-season matchups, Boston dominated New York, securing large victories of 23, 27, and 13 points. Furthermore, even when games tightened late, the Celtics boasted the NBA`s top clutch-time win rate.
However, the revitalized Knicks have displayed remarkable toughness in critical late-game situations, both in their series against Detroit and currently versus Boston. Despite a significant 22-point loss in Game 3, New York severely challenged Boston in Games 1 and 2, pushing them to the brink after erasing substantial 20-point leads in Boston.
Led by defensive standout Bridges, who made the decisive defensive play in their wins, and Jalen Brunson, the NBA`s Clutch Player of the Year, the Knicks appear well-equipped to navigate the intense, gritty moments characteristic of playoff basketball.
Backup guard Deuce McBride commented on the team`s experience: “Going through a lot of tough situations has been a significant advantage. We navigate them collectively and emerge victorious.”
How have the Knicks managed to foster such unwavering composure amidst late-game turmoil? And crucially, looking ahead, can this determined squad keep the score close enough for their clutch ability to play a role once more?
While some teams falter under pressure, the Knicks appear to thrive in the spotlight.
New York`s proficiency in tight playoff contests isn`t accidental; the team possesses unique characteristics that enhance their effectiveness in such situations.
Clutch situations, defined as the final five minutes or overtime with a five-point margin or less, frequently involve deliberate plays and isolation offense. This aligns perfectly with the Knicks` regular-season approach, which was among the slowest in the league at under 98 possessions per 48 minutes. Furthermore, entrusting Brunson with late-game possessions is a logical fit, given he led the NBA in ball-handling time per game.
Notably, despite ongoing discussions about starter minutes, coach Tom Thibodeau`s primary lineup has shared the court more than any other NBA five-man unit this season. This extensive playing time together has allowed the group to build chemistry and understand their roles in all game states, from comfortable leads to significant deficits and tense clutch moments.
This approach is central to Thibodeau`s philosophy: cultivating “mental discipline to navigate any challenges” throughout a season. The Knicks` roster is filled with players embodying this trait, possessing numerous intangible qualities valuable in close games.
Josh Hart, standing 6-foot-4, serves as New York`s premier hustle player and excels at recovering loose balls, leading the NBA with 88 in the regular season. His knack for offensive rebounds, often capitalizing on defenders who neglect to box him out due to his outside shooting struggles, provides the Knicks with crucial extra possessions.
Thibodeau highlighted this aspect, stating, “While people discuss offensive runs, you can also have defensive and rebounding runs. Josh is a perfect illustration; he can grab multiple rebounds consecutively, even when his shots aren`t falling.”
The Knicks` offensive rebounding has significantly improved since Mitchell Robinson returned to the lineup following ankle surgery.
This postseason, New York is rebounding nearly 39% of its missed shots, a percentage that would lead the NBA in both the regular season and playoffs. Without Robinson, their offensive rebounding rate was an average 29.9%.
Additionally, two-way wings Bridges and OG Anunoby have been pivotal in several clutch moments this season. Beyond hitting game-winning shots themselves earlier in the year, their defensive impact has been substantial. Anunoby ranks high in deflections per game, and Bridges leads the league with five combined blocks and steals in the last 10 seconds of one-possession games, including plays that secured victories in Games 1 and 2 against Boston.
Following the Game 2 win against Boston, Thibodeau stated, “Once we narrow the deficit to within 10 points, our team always believes we can win.”
However, this confidence highlights a challenging truth for the underdog Knicks.
Jalen Brunson perhaps summarized the situation best after New York`s initial loss in the series.
“We cannot constantly rely on catching up against a team of this caliber,” he remarked, recognizing the Knicks` limited margin for error compared to the Celtics. “Comebacks are difficult against any NBA opponent. They are the defending champions, a truly great team.”
He added, “Being in a 20-point deficit repeatedly in this series is not a favorable position for us.”
New York`s victories against Boston this season have consistently been in extremely close games. Boston held 20-point leads in six of their seven matchups. Therefore, the Knicks` prospects of winning this series, which they initially led 2-0, likely depend on their ability to keep games tight enough to secure two additional clutch wins.
This strategy faces significant obstacles. Beyond potential injury concerns, Robinson`s strong rebounding is being countered by Boston intentionally fouling him. Robinson`s poor free-throw shooting has led coach Thibodeau to quickly substitute him, despite Robinson`s team-leading plus/minus for the series.
The Knicks also understand their chances diminish considerably when Boston shoots near 50% from three-point range, as they did in Game 3, a stark contrast to their shooting in the first two games.
Nevertheless, the Knicks lead all postseason teams in forcing opponent turnovers in clutch time. Combining this defensive strength with another potential cold shooting night from Boston could provide New York with an opportunity, especially given their more balanced shot distribution and one of the league`s best regular-season three-point percentages.
Amidst discussions comparing this season`s Knicks to previous iterations, their mental toughness often gets overlooked. While perhaps not as consistently solid defensively or physically imposing as past teams, this group exhibits a different kind of resilience.
However, this team`s self-belief in their ability to win might be greater than ever. Brunson`s late-game confidence, highlighted by his NBA-leading clutch baskets despite missing time, seems to be the primary driver. His teammates now seem convinced he will make every crucial shot.
Bridges described Brunson: “High-pressure moments don`t affect him. Whether he`s having an off night or scoring well, you can never tell. Once he created space [for the final shot], I knew the game was over.”
The confidence New York places in Brunson and the team, who collectively remain calm in high-stakes finishes, is evident. The crucial question for the series, however, remains whether the Knicks possess the stamina and capability to consistently force the reigning champions into close, clutch scenarios.
Ultimately, they believe they are prepared for such challenges.
