Heroes and Zeros of the 123-112 victory of the Knicks on the pistons on Saturday:
Hero: Jalen Brunson
After a difficult start, he changed his sneakers and returned while the superstar to which the Knicks got used to. After starting 3 for 14 on the field, Brunson has made 9 of his next 13 shots and finished with a 34 -point top and eight assists.
Zero: Mikal bridges
He disappeared for long sections of the game, a concern that many had about him entering the playoffs. He finished with only eight points and was a worst minus-16 team. The Knicks had the chance to overcome his non-presentation.
Unknown hero: Cam Payne
A question to be even in the rotation of the playoffs, he scored 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, which helped trigger the empathetic race of the Knicks 21-0. His energy was also contagious with his teammates.
Key statistics
62-46 Knicks advantage in the points of the paint. For everything that was done on the difficulty of the pistons inside, the Knicks intimidated them. Much of this came from Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 23 points.
Quote
“I think he caught his cape.”
– Tom Thibodeau on what has changed for Brunson
