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Jalen Brunson Makes History in Knicks' Game 1 Win Over Pistons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 9:26 PM ET

It wasn't pretty, but the New York Knicks have a 1-0 lead over the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The Knicks allowed the Pistons to not just play close, but hold a lead over them in the fourth quarter.

Given they are the No. 3 seed and playing on their home floor, New York is the favorite and more talented team, expected to take down the Pistons.

Brunson made sure that happened down the stretch of the game, too. He finished the contest with 34 points on 12-of-27 shooting, leading the Knicks to a 123-112 victory.

The 40-21 fourth quarter victory helped the Knicks come away with a somewhat convincing win, which will help them carry more momentum into Game 2, also in Madison Square Garden.

Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby both eclipsed the 20-point mark, too, helping the Villanova product lead the way with the Knicks' big win.

Brunson makes history in Game 1

Evidently, Brunson didn't just put together another big playoff win, he also happened to make Knicks history.

According to Knicks PR, Brunson's 12th 30-plus-point outing for New York ties him second overall in club history with Willis Reed.

"Jalen Brunson scored 34 points tonight against Detroit. This marks his 12th career 30+ point playoff game as a Knick, which is tied with Willis Reed for the second-most in franchise history," Knicks PR shared.

Jalen Brunson scored 34 points tonight against Detroit. This marks his 12th career 30+ point playoff game as a Knick, which is tied with Willis Reed for the second-most in franchise history.
— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) April 20, 2025

Brunson, a superstar, is a known playoff riser, even tracing back to his days as a Dallas Maverick. That was on full display as he led the Knicks to the big win on Saturday.

New York, with this version of Brunson, should be able to handle the Pistons in the first round.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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