Knicks secure series victory thanks to Brunson's exceptional play, Clippers eliminating Nuggets in NBA playoffs
🏀 A Clutch Knicks Victory and a Tight Western Conference Showdown 🏀
The NBA Playoffs continue to deliver nail-biting finishes, with the Knicks seizing a thrilling 116-113 win against the Pistons, and the Clippers and Nuggets scheduling a decisive Game 7 in Denver.
In the Eastern Conference, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson drained a game-winning three-pointer with just four seconds left on the clock, giving New York a 4-2 series win. But it wasn't easy - the Pistons fought back from a 11-point deficit to lead 112-105 with under three minutes remaining. An extraordinary late rally spearheaded by Brunson saved the day, with the Knicks tying the game at 113-113 before Brunson hit the game-winner.
Brunson finished with an impressive 40 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Mikal Bridges added 25 points and OG Anunoby contributed 22. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson's performance, saying, "Jalen's shot, what can you say? He's at his best when his best is needed, and he's done it all year. That's what makes him special."
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Clippers defeated the Nuggets 111-105 at the Intuit Dome to level their series 3-3. James Harden led the way for the Clippers with 28 points, with Kawhi Leonard finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. This bounce-back win came after the Clippers suffered a 131-115 game-five drubbing in Denver.
The key to the Clippers' victory was a third-quarter performance that saw them outscore the Nuggets 32-22, opening up a double-digit lead that stretched to 15 points with just six minutes remaining. However, the Nuggets fought back, cutting the gap to five points with less than a minute remaining. The Clippers held on to set up Saturday's crucial Game 7 in Denver.
Clippers star James Harden, who was instrumental in their win, emphasized the importance of the game, stating, "We've got one more game in a couple of days. We've got to be better. Still a lot of mental mistakes, still a lot of execution that we can get better at. But we've got to go out there and take it."
Enrichment Insight: In Game 6, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue made a crucial lineup change by inserting Nicolas Batum in the second half, replacing Kris Dunn. This move helped to create space for James Harden to operate, as Batum is a more offensive threat and can match up well against Jamal Murray defensively. Additionally, the Clippers' improved defense against Nikola Jokic in the second half was significant in securing their win[1].
🏀 Game 7: Clippers vs. Nuggets 🏀
Game 7 of the Western Conference series between the LA Clippers and the Denver Nuggets is set to take place in Denver on Saturday. Both teams have given fans a rollercoaster ride throughout the series, and the final game promises to be another nail-biter.
Stay tuned for more exciting NBA Playoff action!
© 2025 AFP
[1] - NBA.com, Staff. (2025, April 22). Clippers bounce back, force Game 7 vs Nuggets. NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/news/clippers-nuggets-game-6-recap-04222025/ccn-17826803
[3] - Hughes, R. (2025, April 22). See-sawing Clippers edge Nuggets in Game 6. ESPN.com. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34748118/see-sawing-clippers-nuggets-edge-game-6
The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, will face the Nuggets in Denver for Game 7 of the Western Conference series. In Monday's Game 6, the Clippers outperformed the Nuggets in the third quarter, securing a 111-105 victory. The earlier lineup change by coach Tyronn Lue, substituting Nicolas Batum for Kris Dunn, helped create space for Harden and improved defense against Nikola Jokic. With both teams delivering thrilling performances throughout the series, the final game is anticipated to be another nail-biter.
