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Jalen Brunson's Sister Sends Clear Message To Detroit Pistons

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated May 2, 2025 9:37 AM ET

The New York Knicks are moving on to the next round of the NBA playoffs after their first round victory over the Detroit Pistons.

The Knicks were able to win a close, hard-fought six-game series against a team that many felt was ahead of schedule, but the victory did not come without its challenges and quirks. The games were tense, close matchups that went down to the final moments, and Thursday's game was no different.

New York took care of business on the road with a strong closeout performance, including 40 points from star guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson has been the subject of taunting and heckling while in Detroit, but he showed calm under pressure in Game 6.

After the game, Brunson's sister took to social media to address fans of the Detroit Pistons. A fan commissioned a billboard in Detroit that read "Brunson, you're a mother flopper," commenting on the guard's ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line.

Left with a 40 piece and a W. Next time you pay to have our name up in Detroit think twice https://t.co/yAxZH10AM8
— Erica Brunson (@eribrunson) May 2, 2025

"Left with a 40 piece and a W. Next time you pay to have our name up in Detroit think twice," said Jalen's sister Erica Brunson, snapping back at the Pistons supporters after her brother's huge performance in Game 6 to end the series.

The Knicks will now move on to the second round for a date with the defending champion Boston Celtics. New York advanced to the second round last season before losing to the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 28: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during game four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 28, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

New York has not made the conference finals in a quarter of a century, last advancing to the ECF in 2000, where they lost the series 4-2 to the Indiana Pacers. Four more wins and they'll make it back with one of the most talented Knicks team in recent memory, adding on to what's been a great season for Brunson.

The former Villanova guard averaged 26.0 points per game, establishing himself as one of the best finishers in basketball.

The NBA awarded Brunson with the Clutch Player of the Year award, and he proved why he was worthy of selection on Thursday night. We'll see what he can do for an encore in the next round against the Boston Celtics.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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