Knicks escape Pistons scare as Josh Hart’s heroics in chaotic final seconds seal dramatic win

The Knicks can always count on the Pistons to do Pistons things. 

On the brink of a terrible collapse and a powerful redemption moment for Quentin Grimes, the Knicks benefitted from utter chaos in the final seconds of a dramatic 113-111 victory Monday night at MSG. 

With about 20 seconds left and the Knicks trailing by one, Jalen Brunson’s missed 3-pointer was rebounded by Grimes, who tossed it to Simone Fontecchio, who turned it over to Isaiah Hartenstein, who passed it to Donte DiVincenzo, who turned it over to Ausar Thompson, who turned it back over to DiVincenzo. 

It ended with an and-1 lay-up for Josh Hart, who missed the free throw but got the rebound — and was fouled — to close the victory. 

Josh Hart reacts in the closing seconds of the Knicks’ win over the Pistons on Monday. Robert Sabo for NY Post Knicks guard Josh Hart puts up the game-winning shot as Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) tries to defend late during the fourth quarter on Monday night. Robert Sabo for NY Post

It was the 14th straight win for the Knicks over the sadsack Pistons, the worst team in the league.

Their streak started pre-pandemic but was nearly finished Monday. 

This win was both close and controversial.

DiVincenzo’s final steal looked like a foul on Thompson, but the referee swallowed his whistle and it sent Detroit coach Monty Williams into a tirade. 

Before that, Grimes, the former Knick, nearly led the Pistons to an upset with all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead lay-up with 37.3 seconds left.

The Knicks needed 35 points and 12 assists from Brunson to survive the scare. 

Jalen Brunson and the Knicks held on to beat the Pistons on Monday night. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Monday’s game was supposed to be in Detroit, but, due to issues related to the In-Season Tournament, it was moved to MSG. 

Basically, the Knicks were given too many road games because of their advancement in the IST – and the league punished the Pistons by taking away one of their games at Little Caesars Arena.

It’s a pitfall of being the worst team.