New York Knicks star forced to apologise on live TV after x-rated celebrations spill over
The New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference semifinals - and Mikal Bridges got a little carried away in the process.
A 116-113 win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday sealed a 4-2 series win and a 17th playoff meeting with old rivals the Boston Celtics.
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After a thrilling end, which saw Jalen Brunson hit the game-winner, Bridges couldn't contain his excitement, handing a not-safe-for-work answer to Mike Breen in his post-game interview.
"We built for this s---, that's all it is. We built for it, that's what we kept saying…" Bridges said before getting cut off by Breen.
"Now watch your.."
"Sorry, sorry. We're built for it. That's all it was," Bridges added.
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You can forgive Bridges after he was instrumental in the Knicks' booking their place in the final four in the East, recording 25 points on 11 of 16 shooting.
Although it's his co-star, Brunson who will take all the plaudits after he scored 40 points to go with 7 assists and 4 rebounds, including the game-winning three with less than six seconds left.
The Knicks were down seven points with two minutes to play before the 28-year-old took over.
Brunson hit a crucial three-pointer to pull the Knicks within one at 112-111 with 1:19 left.
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Then, after Cade Cunningham missed in response, Brunson got the ball, raced down the court and hit the game-winner from the top of the 3-point arc.
"I stay poised and I rely on the trust and the composure that my team-mates give me," Brunson said.
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"None of this happens without them."
Brunson is no stranger to delivering when it matters, he has an NBA-best 52 clutch baskets this season.
"Doesn't matter if he's struggling. Doesn't matter if he's hooping. You can never tell," said his teammate Bridges.
"All I thought is: If he can get some separation, once he got separation, I knew it was curtains."
Auser Thompson, who Brunson beat for the shot, knew he had to do better in containing the Knicks star and said he's not watching film on that anytime soon.
"Nah, probably not going to watch it for a little bit," Thompson said, adding that he's "gotta hit the weight room" to better absorb Brunson's contact.
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Next up for the Knicks is the defending champions, a Celtics team they haven't beaten all season, and New York will have to raise their game if they are to reach the conference finals.
"We're playing the defending champs next time, so it's going to be a lot different," Brunson said.
"Playing this team we just played -- I'm not discrediting them at all -- but they didn't have the same experience. The Celtics have experience."
Game One between the two sides is scheduled for Monday, and the teams have a storied past.
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