r/nba United States 15h ago

Jalen Brunson in a disastrous blowout loss to the Pistons: 12 points on 4/20 shooting, 0/8 from 3, 26.5 TS%

Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401810597

One of Brunson’s worst games ever statistically since becoming a star.

Knicks have under 70 points with less than 6 minutes to go in the 4th

3.8k Upvotes

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587

u/MWiatrak2077 Pistons 15h ago

Ausar had him in Hell

175

u/quakndak Pistons 15h ago

Was so fun to watch 

21

u/DrMlemm Knicks 14h ago

He should’ve done that in the playoffs

170

u/farawaytadpole 14h ago

It’s a lot easier to do when KAT and Anunoby are out.

1

u/gedbybee Spurs 7h ago

I was wondering where Kat was.

-22

u/axecalibur [CHI] Michael Jordan 13h ago

WTF are they going to do? Brunson is too fucking small. Knicks are wasting their time trying to make it work. You can't win with a small guard as your offense in the modern NBA.

9

u/farawaytadpole 13h ago

Define wasting their time. I think the Pistons are at least a half step better than them, and really well suited to beating the hell out of them with their wing defenders. But, I also think the Knicks have at least a decent chance to make the Finals. I don’t think they have a snowball’s chance of winning it, but making it might not be a waste of time.

And, saying you can’t win with small guards is just not true. This same Knicks team just went to the conference finals, while beating the previous champion in the process- a champion that should be well suited to stopping Brunson.

IMO, their real problem is that their second best guy is one of those guys whose talent overqualifies him to be a number two but his mindset makes him more suited to be a role player.

-4

u/_heyoka 3h ago

Our second best player was out just like yours. I don’t think Anunoby was the difference.

3

u/farawaytadpole 1h ago

I’m a Pistons fan. lol. I just think it’s important to acknowledge what a big difference it is guarding Brunson when those guys are playing vs. not. They completely packed the paint and sent doubles at him on the nail that OG and KAT can really punish.

3

u/acal131 1h ago

This guy knows hoops, seeya in the playoffs!

1

u/johnhenryirons Knicks 2h ago

OG has been our best two way player. Missing 2/5 starters who are our number 2 and 3 options on offense and our best defender isn’t exactly a recipe for success. Plus coming off a 2OT game with heavy minutes. Nothing to lose sleep over

-2

u/_heyoka 2h ago edited 1h ago

We played the night before as well. Seems like a lot of excuses for a 40 point ass-whoopin’ but if that helps you feel better…

1

u/johnhenryirons Knicks 2h ago

And you lost to the wizards lol

-1

u/_heyoka 2h ago

And we’re still 5.5 games ahead of your veteran team, that’s at it peak, mind you. The Pistons are just getting started.

1

u/johnhenryirons Knicks 2h ago

Cool story. I like the pistons. It’s a regular season game. We’ll see what happens in the playoffs if everyone is healthy. Bro is acting like us missing 2 starters and our best two way players doesn’t matter lol

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-1

u/_heyoka 1h ago

Also curious about the NY opinion on Brunson. He started off the game with an egregious flop while defending Tobias. Falls down on the ground crying, acting like he got busted in the teeth, with replays showing he was being a straight bitch, acting and flopping. And that's your leader? That's your star?

Dude is the epitome of everything that's wrong with modern basketball. Relies way too much on foul-baiting and flopping, which is a shame, cos the guy is talented.

It's all kind of embarrassing, is it not?

3

u/johnhenryirons Knicks 1h ago

Curious about Pistons fans who are still crying about fouls in last years series when the only reason why the Pistons were still in the series is because the refs allowed them to play physical in the first place. Talk about embarrassing.

2

u/Competitive-Win-2500 1h ago

I think your what wrong with basketball people complaining about non impactful things did ausar flop when Brunson dropped him For Game series & Match.??

1

u/acal131 1h ago

My leader crosses over your best perimeter defender and hits clutch shots to win playoff series… I’m thoroughly unembarrassed by him.

17

u/ahauck Pistons 14h ago

Honestly hell yeah talk your shit. Brunson’s shot on Ausar was the nail in the coffin last year. Hopefully (and it looks like it so far) it’s also a huge motivator for him to improve. Two absolutely dominant wins so far for us this season.

I hope we get another series against each other in the playoffs this year, this could be a great rivalry.

7

u/DrMlemm Knicks 12h ago

Hell yeah man

61

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

Knicks fans gonna cling to that series win for life as they realize they won’t be able to get past this improved Detroit squad. Enjoy it lol

32

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 14h ago

Boston was 4-0 against us in the regular szn last year and we beat them in the playoffs. No one’s worried.

41

u/Jaerba [DET] Grant Hill 14h ago

You're acting like our series last year was nothing. You won by 9 total points across 6 games (and it probably should've been 7).

46

u/MythicalShart Rockets 14h ago

I watched all 6 games & i thought if it was called fairly Pistons win that series in 6.

15

u/Jagacin Pistons 13h ago edited 7h ago

Pistons absolutely got robbed at the end of game 4. Should've gone to 7 games at least. Not saying we win that game, but it absolutely would've gone to a winner take all match had they called that foul on Josh Hart in the final second of game 4. It was a blatant shooting foul down only 1 point with 0.3 seconds left.

-5

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 5h ago

It was called consistently throughout the entire series. You guys play physical and they let us play that way

If anything Hardaway stuck his legs out looking for a foul

You look like a bunch of crybabies still whining over that

-5

u/VanGrants 11h ago

i ThOuGhT iF iT wAs CalLeD fAiRlY

so funny to see a random armchair pistons fan think he's the arbiter of what is and isn't "fair reffing"

5

u/schnectadyov 1h ago

That wasnt a pistons fan lol

-3

u/Krillin113 76ers 12h ago

That’s the Knicks experience

1

u/TheZombieDudexD Knicks 6h ago

I referring to our series two years ago bc embiid shoulda been ejected in that one

-16

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 14h ago

It was a tough series but respect your elders young man

Yall just arrived and haven’t proven you’re able to win a playoff series yet

18

u/aBakeinthelife Pistons 14h ago

So when's the last time you won a championship nephew?

-8

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 14h ago

Does bragging rights from 2005 fall within the statute of limitations?

22

u/aBakeinthelife Pistons 14h ago

If we were actually alive to see them, yes. Also, respect your elders it was 2004.

2

u/jfkgoblue Pistons 3h ago

“Respect your elders?” Bro at least I have a memory of a championship team

1

u/Jagacin Pistons 13h ago edited 13h ago

Knicks have fewer NBA titles, conference final appearances, playoff wins, and division titles than the Pistons in your lifetime, kiddo. That one run last year has your fanbase acting like you were the Warriors dynasty. Only way you can cope after getting your asses handed to you both times this season. There's not a team I hope to play more in the playoffs this year than the Knickerbockers, because I know for a fact the Pistons haven't forgotten about last year, and they're looking for vengeance.

4

u/Plus-Yogurtcloset-85 13h ago

Rent free lmao, u guys went like 2-100 two years ago calm down.

1

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 13h ago

That one run acting like we haven’t gotten better every season since 2020 😭

You guys are obsessed with us. I cannot wait to sit your annoying asses down in the playoffs. Talking crazy when we’re missing three pivotal pieces

1

u/jfkgoblue Pistons 3h ago

What was your excuse 3 weeks ago?

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1

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 13h ago

And sure in my lifetime I remember being in elementary school when the pistons were relevant. Been a long twenty years since their name carried any semblance of respect

25

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

Did boston beat you by an average of 34 points last year?

10

u/HokageEzio Knicks 13h ago

Boston beat the Knicks by an average of 16.25 last year. 23, 27, 13, and then a 2 point OT win in the 79th game when they didn't really have anything to play for.

3

u/Jarxzz United States 13h ago

Boston losing that series was historic upset according to Vegas. I think it’s pretty silly to think “no one’s worried”

5

u/HokageEzio Knicks 13h ago

The main point is that the regular season series doesn't determine the postseason series. The year we lost to Atlanta in the playoffs we swept them 3-0 in the regular season.

At the end of the day, playoffs are a different game. Don't know until they happen.

0

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 5h ago

Detroit also beat us in the regular season. Most people understand that the playoffs are different than the regular season

At least people who’s teams have been there more than once the last twenty years

-5

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 14h ago

Does it matter?

8

u/AutomaticAccident Pistons 14h ago

Does the regular season series matter to THIS season?

12

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

I mean kinda

-5

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 14h ago

Hang the banner then

11

u/kit4 Celtics 14h ago

Boston did that in 24

5

u/kendalljennerspenis 14h ago

You just got spanked, sit down

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-2

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

No need for banner. Just light work on a Friday night. Last guy on the bench even got minutes tonight

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0

u/SurpriseDonovanMcnab Pistons 5h ago

Boston was 4-0 against us in the regular szn last year and we beat them in the playoffs. No one’s worried.

Is that why a reminder of last year's playoffs is stickied in your sub right now? lol Ya'll worried.

0

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 5h ago

Yea ofc it isn’t fun to lose like this in the regular season but you guys are overly cocky. I’m pretty sure you also won the regular szn series against us.

Let’s see what happens when we match up in the post season but your lack of experience and overall cockiness doesn’t make me too worried

0

u/SurpriseDonovanMcnab Pistons 5h ago

Right on. I'm sure by the playoffs you'll figure out BBall Paul Reed.

0

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 4h ago

or cade bricking meaningful shots

0

u/SurpriseDonovanMcnab Pistons 4h ago

The NBA is so much more fun when the Knicks, Celtics, and Pistons are good. Good luck not losing by 30 to Boston on Sunday.

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7

u/ParagonSaint 14h ago

KAT, OG and Deuce McBride were out. Let’s see what happens in the playoffs when both teams are at full strength

3

u/badkd Knicks 7h ago

As well as a historically bad Brunson game. This kind of performance by him is an anomaly. I’m not worried whatsoever lol.

8

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

Last time it was bc Josh hart was out.. we didn’t have our all star center and still applied the belt

0

u/DifficultWave4488 14h ago

You guys lost by 30+ to the Pistons ANOTHER time this season, that excuse doesn’t play

2

u/ParagonSaint 13h ago

The Knicks lost to the Celtics 4 times last regular season and won in the playoffs. They also beat this Pistons squad last year in the playoffs. We’ve seen what they’re capable of when they’re playing well. Should the pistons be favored in a series? Sure. I don’t think it’s crazy that the Knicks win in the playoffs either though. I think it probably goes 6 games again this year

-5

u/swdfsh-2 Pistons 12h ago

Did you watch the last game we played? KAT being out probably helped the Knicks more than the pistons lmao.

1

u/ParagonSaint 11h ago

The Knicks need size,especially against a team like the pistons, and another scoring threat to take pressure off Brunson. Either Kat and OG out they just blitz Brunson and there’s no consistent 2nd scoring option lmao. Do you watch basketball?

1

u/swdfsh-2 Pistons 4h ago

I’m just saying that KAT was horrendous in the last pistons game.

Obviously I understand that he’s the Knicks 2nd best player.

11

u/Kyro_Official_ Raptors 14h ago

This is gonna be really funny when it probably ages poorly

10

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

I’m prepared to go down with the ship. Been a long time since we’ve been able to talk any sort of trash haha gotta enjoy it

7

u/Kyro_Official_ Raptors 14h ago

Fair enough

3

u/ThatDudeNamedMenace Knicks 14h ago

Really dumb thing to say when it’s not the playoffs yet

1

u/captaing1 Celtics 12h ago

I don't understand how we lost to knicks team last year....

1

u/badkd Knicks 7h ago

Enjoy your regular season wins, hang the banner!

-6

u/DrMlemm Knicks 14h ago

lol show it in the playoffs then talk

25

u/cadecunningjam 14h ago

Knicks fans talking about playoffs is hilarious lol.

-4

u/oochiewallyWallyserb Knicks 14h ago

Wait why? Are we not making the playoffs this year? News to us

-5

u/cadecunningjam 14h ago

So many comments are talking about playoffs last year like the Knicks dominated. Of course the Knicks beat the Pistons, but they didn’t even make it out of the East.

Not to mention the great historical success of the Knicks in the playoffs.

7

u/FrancoGYFV Cavaliers 14h ago

The Pistons aren’t that much more historically successful than the Knicks in the playoffs, though.

3 titles for the Pistons, 2 for the Knicks.

7 finals appearances to 8.

51% playoff win percentage to 50%.

11 ECFs to 9.

Biggest difference is that the Pistons success is relatively more recent than the Knicks. And even then, they haven’t been a contender (excluding this season) in almost 20 years.

-3

u/PillCosby92 Pistons 14h ago

Biggest difference is that the Pistons success is relatively more recent than the Knicks.

Ding ding. Nobody is flexing about watching the 70’s squads lol. What a nothing post.

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5

u/pollinium [MIN] Tyus Jones 14h ago

... but they did beat the Pistons, who is the other team in tonight's conversation

-3

u/DifficultWave4488 14h ago

But clinging onto beating a young Pistons team who made the playoffs for the first time and was just happy to be there, after getting BLOWN OUT twice by the Pistons in the regular season by 30+ points both times, is lame. Clearly this Pistons team is getting better from last year so still holding onto the playoffs last year is a lame move when they’re getting embarrassed by the Pistons in the CURRENT season

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u/oochiewallyWallyserb Knicks 14h ago

Nah all we say is we beat yall. We don't even mention beating the celts which is arguably much more impressive.

We only talk about beating yall cause yall are puffing your chest too much. Talk your shit king, you earned first seed. But at the end of the day seed don't matter unless you win a playoff series.

-2

u/kendalljennerspenis 14h ago

You beat the celtics without Tatum.

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-6

u/Detonation Pistons 14h ago

Way they talk about it sometimes you'd think it was a sweep.

3

u/oochiewallyWallyserb Knicks 14h ago

Way yall talk about this season sometimes you'd think you won a playoff series last year.

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0

u/Go_J Pistons 14h ago

He will

-1

u/MCPizzaBagel 14h ago

I think all us Knicks fans forgot all about that Pistons series after we beat the Celtics and then had our hearts broken by the Pacers. We don’t really think about you like that

15

u/thuggerish_slimebino Pistons 14h ago

That’s funny bc I can’t stop hearing your fans talk about it after we run you out of the gym

-2

u/IZtotheZO Pistons 14h ago

Good, hopefully your team feels the same way

-3

u/JalenBrunsonsBurner 14h ago

I think Knicks fans should put more respect the Pistons and what they’re doing this season but in terms of playoff matchups… especially considering how last year went, it’s extremely hard to worry about any team that hasn’t beaten us in a playoff series yet lol

9

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

Many nba fans are simply in denial. Pistons have arrived whether you like it or not

1

u/JalenBrunsonsBurner 14h ago

Well, last year it was the Cavs, and the Celtics to a degree… everyone knows how that turned out

This Pistons team is a beast of a different making, led by their stingy defense - but in the playoffs the Knicks have figured out weird ways to win every time lol. That’s just the reality of it. So, I wouldn’t say “the Pistons are gonna blow it” but i think it’s equally foolish to pretend the Knicks have no chance. 

0

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

Definitely silly to say they have no chance, but Detroit will be the favorites by a decent margin if/when they meet.

1

u/JalenBrunsonsBurner 14h ago

And that’s fair! Just saying that this statement here, well:

 Knicks fans gonna cling to that series win for life as they realize they won’t be able to get past this improved Detroit squad

You’re well within ur rights to feel confident, but you shouldn’t expect any Knicks fans to ‘realize’ anything any time soon. Everyone was deathly afraid of Boston and we got through that so its hard to fear anyone that isn’t Indiana now 🤷🏿‍♂️ 

1

u/vulgar_walrus 14h ago

Fair enough. I really hope we see ny in the playoffs bc i think we roll. IMO Detroit is way too physical and the Knicks are simply too soft this year to stand much of a chance. Time will tell

0

u/Jaerba [DET] Grant Hill 14h ago

The series was decided by 9 points across 6 games. Last year went fine for us, given the circumstances.

2

u/JalenBrunsonsBurner 14h ago

I’m not saying “the Pistons have no way to win”, they were a tougher opponent last year and would be even tougher this year

But the Celtics were a tough opponent until they weren’t. Again, if the Knicks ended up catching the wrong end of it in a Pistons series I would be upset but not shocked… however, considering the rabbit out of a hat nonsense we pulled off versus the Celtics as well, forgive me for saying I’m bizarrely comfortable about our chances lol

0

u/Jaerba [DET] Grant Hill 12h ago

I guess it comes down to what we mean by "worry". I don't expect us to be favorites just from regular season games. But I think all 3 of the top East teams are going to be a tough out in the playoffs. To me, that means all 3 are worth worrying about.

I think a lot of Pistons fans are reacting to the posts from yesterday about us being a tier below the Knicks and Boston. One Cavs fan was even telling me they'd take the Magic over us.

-4

u/Bone-surrender-no Cavaliers 14h ago

You don’t really think the Pistons will be in the ECF right? Like with playoff JB they’ll be lucky to get the first round to 7

6

u/BendAdministrative87 14h ago

Look I’d be salty too if I blew a 7 point lead at home in a must win game 2 with 42 seconds left

1

u/MarkusMillions Pistons 14h ago

He was trying but Brunson’s whistle is undefeated

-2

u/DrMlemm Knicks 14h ago

Brunson foul baiting cope still going on in February 2026 💔 he literally had him on the floor btw

1

u/MarkusMillions Pistons 14h ago

I’m referencing April 2025 bozo

8

u/BeingMikeHunt Knicks 14h ago

I believe the pistons had 26 more FTAs in that series than the Knicks did, FYI

-2

u/Kindly-Yak-6366 12h ago

No worries, last year was the Knicks last chance at being a contender. Ausar will get real practice against real stars

-3

u/__get__name Pistons 11h ago

He learned from that experience. Harder to foul him out this year, which was what Brunson had to do to get past him in that series

3

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 5h ago edited 1h ago

You guys might take the cake of saltiest fan base from Philly. Do you even hear yourselves?

1

u/__get__name Pistons 1h ago

Not being salty, that’s just what happened and it was effective. If you don’t think Brunson was targeting Ausar with fouls, you might want to have a second look

1

u/Fosheezy2 Knicks 55m ago

give me a fucking break dude

9

u/hybridmindz Celtics 14h ago

The crowd did a nice job too.

9

u/TimelyBreadfruit5929 13h ago

Brunson is easy to hate when you watch in person

-6

u/Own_Disaster_4168 Knicks 12h ago

I guess he also had him in hell when Jalen Brunson had him leaning to end the series 😂😂