That certainly didn’t age well! Before the closeout game 6 tipped off on Thursday, Detroit Pistons forward Malik Beasley shared a strong statement pertaining to his team’s ability to win against the New York Knicks and come back from being down 3-1 in the series. However, Beasley’s words quickly turned against him after a crucial blunder that halted the Pistons’ chances for a deep playoff run.
In the final moments of the Pistons-Knicks game 6 duel, Jalen Brunson nailed a long three to take the lead, 116-113, with just 4.3 seconds left on the game clock. Shortly after, Cade Cunningham found a wide open Beasley in transition for a potential game-tying three-pointer. Unfortunately, Beasley fumbled the pass after the ball slipped from his hands, allowing the Knicks to regain possession and seal the win in the elimination match.
Fans were quick to notice how Beasley, out of all people, was the one who made the ironic error after he said earlier that the Pistons are “mentally stronger”. Surely, this statement aged poorly in just a matter of a few hours. In the first half, Beasley was shooting lights out but immediately went cold in the fourth quarter, including the mistake he made late in the game.
Malik Beasley, who has also been jawing with fans and the Knicks on social media, called himself “the greatest shooter in the world”, despite only shooting 33.9% from three in the playoffs.
It was a tough loss, but the victory was all thanks to Brunson, who got up for 40 points, including a game-winning three to send the Knicks to the next round. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges also helped pick up the offensive load after going for 22 and 25, respectively. The guy they needed to be unlocked right now is Karl-Anthony Towns, who hasn’t been exactly what New York wants him to be in the postseason.
The New York Knicks will face the defending champs, the Boston Celtics, in the semifinal round. Game 1 will be on Monday, May 5th
The Pistons Will be Back
Last season, Motor City held the worst record in the league. But then, something quickly changed in the span of one summer. In just a year, the Pistons became a threat in the East–that is after some underrated moves took place while their young core subsequently improves.
They may have lost early in the playoffs, but they’re going to be fine. Cade Cunningham is an excellent player and may soon be an All-NBA talent. Ausar Thompson is already arguably one of the best defenders in the league. Then, you also have young guys like Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey.
They will be back next year, and maybe with a stronger and more improved roster to bring back the glory to 313.
