Following the final buzzer and the New York Knicks` series-clinching Game 6 victory over the Detroit Pistons, forward Mikal Bridges spoke with legendary announcer Mike Breen. Bridges had delivered a crucial left-handed putback late in the game, setting the stage for star teammate Jalen Brunson`s game-winning three-pointer. Still energized, the normally reserved Bridges answered Breen`s question about New York`s flair for late-game drama emphatically: “We built for this s***, man. That’s all it is. We built for it.”
His candid remark aside, it was hard to disagree with Bridges` assessment. That night saw the Knicks overcome a seven-point deficit in the final two and a half minutes, capping a series where the last four contests were decided by three points or less. This dramatic first-round win set the stage for a compelling conference semifinal against the reigning champion Boston Celtics, a matchup that, on paper, offered little indication of featuring many tight finishes favoring New York.
During the regular season, the Celtics comfortably defeated the Knicks by margins of 23, 27, and 13 points in their initial three encounters. Moreover, even in close games, Boston boasted the league`s best clutch-time win percentage.
Yet, the seemingly revitalized Knicks have displayed remarkable resilience in critical late-game situations, first against Detroit and now challenging Boston. Despite a dominant 22-point Game 3 loss to the Celtics, New York seriously threatened Boston in Games 1 and 2, which came down to the wire after multiple 20-point leads evaporated in front of the TD Garden faithful.
Led by defensive standout Bridges—responsible for the winning defensive stop in each of their victories—and the NBA`s Clutch Player of the Year, Brunson, New York genuinely appears equipped to handle the intense, high-pressure sequences of playoff basketball.
“I think it`s been a big help that we`ve gone through a lot of fire,” commented backup guard Deuce McBride. “We walk through it together, and we come out of it on the other side with a win.”
But how have the Knicks fostered such a consistent sense of composure amidst late-game turmoil? And, critically, as they headed into Game 4, could this fearless Knicks squad manage to keep games close enough for their clutch abilities to make a difference once more in the series?
While some teams shrink under bright lights, the Knicks seem to thrive. Their playoff success in tight contests is not accidental; the team possesses a unique blend of characteristics and shared identity that transforms them into a greater threat in these crucial moments.
Clutch time—defined as the last five minutes when the score is within five points, or overtime—often involves deliberate possessions and isolation plays. Both align with the Knicks` characteristic style. New York played at one of the NBA`s five slowest paces during the regular season, averaging fewer than 98 possessions per 48 minutes. Furthermore, it`s natural for the Knicks to entrust Brunson with the ball in late-game situations, given he led the league in clutch-time minutes per game.
Significantly, amidst ongoing discussions about their starters` heavy minutes, coach Tom Thibodeau`s primary five has spent more time together on the court than any other unit in the league this season. This extensive shared experience has allowed the group to gel thoroughly, learning their roles in all scenarios—be it protecting large leads, battling back from deficits, or navigating clutch situations.
This cohesion is rooted in Thibodeau`s fundamental principle: cultivate “a mental discipline to get through all the things that may happen” throughout an NBA season. Across the Knicks roster, many players embody this approach, possessing a wealth of intangible qualities that can influence any game hanging in the balance.
Josh Hart, the team`s ultimate hustle player at a modest 6-foot-4, is remarkably adept at recovering loose balls, leading the NBA with 88 during the regular season. His offensive rebounding instincts are particularly valuable; defenders often give him space from the perimeter due to his shooting, but he masterfully crashes the glass, securing invaluable extra possessions for the Knicks.
“People always talk about offensive runs. Well, I think you can go on defensive runs as well. And rebounding runs,” Thibodeau noted. “Josh is a prime example, where he can get four or five rebounds in a row, even if he isn`t making shots.”
The Knicks` offensive rebounding has been significantly bolstered by Mitchell Robinson`s return from ankle surgery in late February. New York is securing nearly 39% of its misses this postseason, a rate that would be the league`s best in both the regular season and playoffs, compared to a merely average 29.9% rate without him.
Then there are Bridges and OG Anunoby, versatile two-way wings who have made decisive plays throughout the season. Beyond hitting game-winners earlier in the campaign, their defensive impact has been immense. Anunoby ranks among the league leaders in deflections, while Bridges has recorded an NBA-best five stocks (blocks plus steals) in the final 10 seconds of one-possession games this season, two of which sealed victories for the Knicks in Boston.
“Once we get it to within 10, we always have the belief that we can win,” Thibodeau stated after the Game 2 win against the Celtics.
However, this rallying cry highlights a challenging reality for the underdog Knicks.
Perhaps Brunson articulated it best after their first loss in the series: “We can`t consistently play catch-up against a team like this,” he said, acknowledging New York`s thinner margin for error compared to Boston. “Against any NBA team, really, it`s tough for comebacks to happen. They are a great team, the defending champs. I just don`t think we want to be in a 20-point hole each game. It`s not going to suit us well.”
New York has not demonstrated the ability to defeat Boston in anything but a closely contested finish. In their seven matchups this season, Boston has held 20-point leads in six. Consequently, the Knicks` path to winning a series they once led 2-0 likely depends on their capacity to remain competitive enough to snatch two more victories in crunch time.
This strategy faces significant obstacles. Besides the potential impact of injuries, Robinson`s valuable rebounding is hampered by Boston`s intentional fouling strategy. Robinson has struggled from the free-throw line in the series, prompting Thibodeau to quickly substitute him despite his team-best plus-minus rating.
Furthermore, the Knicks understand their chances diminish considerably when Boston finds its shooting rhythm, particularly from three-point range, as they did in Game 3 after struggling in the first two games.
Nevertheless, the Knicks lead the postseason in forcing opponent turnovers in the clutch. Combining this defensive pressure with another potential cold shooting spell from Boston could create opportunities for New York, a team with a more balanced offensive attack and one of the league`s best season-long three-point percentages.
Amidst comparisons between this season`s Knicks and previous iterations, the emphasis on mental toughness might be overlooked. While perhaps not as consistently stout defensively or physically rugged as the 1990s-reminiscent teams of the past two seasons, this group`s self-belief is arguably stronger. The late-game confidence emanating from Brunson, who led the league in clutch baskets despite missing time, appears to be the primary driver. It has reached a point where his teammates fully expect his critical shots to connect.
“High-pressure situations don’t faze him. Doesn’t matter if he’s struggling or if he’s hooping, you’d never be able to tell,” Bridges remarked about Brunson the night he closed out the Pistons. “Once he got that separation, I knew it was curtains.”
New York`s unwavering belief in Brunson and their collective composure under pressure is palpable. The pivotal question of this series, however, is whether the Knicks possess enough energy and tactical ability to consistently push the defending champions into those clutch situations where they feel they are built to win.