Jalen Brunson executed a brilliant crossover dribble to create just enough space for a game-winning three-pointer with only 4.3 seconds remaining, following a night of taunts from the crowd.

Brunson topped the scoring for the New York Knicks with 40 points, leading them to a 116-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, which secured them a spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Just a week after being named the NBA’s clutch player of the year, he certainly justified the title.

“He’s at his best when his best is needed and he’s done it all year,” said Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau. “That’s what makes him special.”

The Pistons missed the chance to potentially send the game into overtime after Malik Beasley mishandled a pass with 0.4 seconds left on the clock.

“This is tough,” Beasley remarked after finishing the game with 20 points, including 16 in the second quarter. “I had a chance to make a three and tie the game. I’m upset about that.”

Now third-seeded, the Knicks will battle against the second-seeded Boston in hopes of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

“They’re the defending champion, so we’ll need to bring our best,” Thibodeau noted.

Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points and OG Anunoby added 22 points for the Knicks, who displayed great tenacity in securing the win after relinquishing leads of 11 points in the fourth quarter and 15 in the second.

Despite an impressive season turnaround, the sixth-seeded Pistons marked a continuation of their struggles at home, falling to a record 10th consecutive playoff loss there since 2008.

“We did so many things right and gave ourselves a chance,” said Pistons Coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “They just made one more play than we did.”

Cade Cunningham put up 23 points, along with eight assists and seven rebounds; however, he couldn’t make any three-pointers, going 0 for 8, and his teammate Tim Hardaway Jr. managed just one of six attempts from beyond the arc, finishing with seven points.

Hardaway had put the Pistons ahead 112-105 with 2:35 to go, but Brunson quickly scored the next five points to regain the lead.

With the score tied 113-113, Cunningham botched a layup in the critical moments and Brunson seized the chance to claim victory in the ensuing possession.

Booed throughout the series, Brunson faced a harsh crowd, especially after game three, which led even Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr to defend him.

Thibodeau emphasized that nothing distracts Brunson from focusing solely on the game.

“His focus is impeccable. He blocks out all distractions, including crowd noise,” Thibodeau added.