That was just how the Knicks drew it up.
WOW WHAT SEQUENCE!!!
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 27, 2024
JOSH HART GIVES THE KNICKS THE LEAD!!! pic.twitter.com/mMHXARnXth
The Knicks beat the Pistons 113-111 on Monday evening after taking the lead during a wild sequence that began with Detroit leading by one.
Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson missed a three-pointer with 20.1 seconds left, and Pistons shooting guard Quentin Grimes saved the loose ball from going out of bounds after jostling with Knicks forward Josh Hart for possession.
Grimes found teammate Simone Fontecchio, who briefly had the ball before it was knocked loose by Hart. Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein gained possession for New York and passed the ball to guard Donte DiVincenzo, who turned it over on a bad pass intended for Brunson.
DiVincenzo made up for his error by essentially tackling Pistons rookie forward Ausar Thompson (but was somehow not called for a foul), leading to another loose ball recovered by Brunson. After dribbling, he found Hart wide-open near the basket, who made the bucket and was fouled.
Hart missed the free throw, but Hartenstein came up with the offensive rebound, and New York held on for the win.
Afterward, Hart spoke with MSG reporter Rebecca Haarlow and discussed the dizzying final moments, explaining that it fits with what the team is.
"We grind, we fight, we scratch, we claw and we find a way," said Hart.
When Haarlow asked him about Brunson's role in getting him the basketball, Hart praised his teammate, who he also played with at Villanova.
"He's someone that's gonna make the right play," noted Hart.
On Monday, Brunson did exactly that when the Knicks needed it most, his sure-handed assist cutting through the chaos that preceded it.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!