Thursday was a slate of two key Game 6s with one team closing out their series, and the other staying alive for another game.
First, the Pistons hosted the New York Knicks but fell 116-113 despite a furious fourth-quarter comeback. The Knicks won the series in six games and advance to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Jalen Brunson led New York with 40 points, his third 40-point game with a chance to clinch a playoff series with the Knicks, breaking a tie with Bernard King for the most in team history, according to ESPN Research. Brunson hit a 3-pointer with 5.3 seconds left to clinch the victory.
Later, the Clippers held on to defeat the Denver Nuggets 111-105 and force Game 7 on Saturday. The Nuggets stormed back late to make it a six-point game with 2:43 left after an 11-2 run. But a Norman Powell 3-pointer moments later gave LA much-needed breathing room to secure the victory.
James Harden led the Clippers with 28 points, and Kawhi Leonard had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. It's the seventh 25-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist playoff game for Leonard with the Clippers, passing Blake Griffin for the most in franchise postseason history, according to ESPN Research.
Here are the highlights from both Game 6s Thursday night.
