It didn’t come easy. With the Knicks clinging to a three-point lead, Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff furiously argued that Brunson should have been called for a backcourt violation as he caught an inbounds pass from Mikal Bridges cutting toward the backcourt.

Jalen Brunson scores 34 points and Knicks stun the youthful Pistons with a 21-0 run to rally for a 123-112 victory in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

Jalen Brunson’s return was triumphant where it mattered most – the scoreboard – but it was also clear evidence of several kinks to iron out before the playoffs.