Jalen Brunson’s injury scare in Game 5 exposed a harsh reality for the Knicks: without their leader, they are not a playoff contender. As Brunson’s impact is questioned, what’s the solution for New York moving forward?

Brunson scored a game-high 40 points, including 15 in the first quarter alone. Bridges added a series-high 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field, and OG Anunoby scored 22 points and hounded Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham from the opening tip.

Years of maneuvering, trades, signings and extensions have put New York in position to make a run this season.

The Knicks’ second-round slugfest with the Boston Celtics features an individual battle between two of the NBA’s best.

Mikal Bridges has not had the dream first season with the New York Knicks. He has faced endless criticism for his inconsistency and lack of aggression, and that criticism is largely attached to the price tag of five first-round picks to acquire Bridges in the summer.

Jalen Brunson was the hero in Game 6 as he scored a game-high 40 points – including the eventual game-winner – to lead the New York Knicks to a 116-113 win over the Detroit Pistons to advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Game 4 victory didn’t just fuel another Knicks comeback — it delivered a commanding 3-1 series lead over the defending champs and moved New York