Funny, after Knicks eliminated the Pistons in Game 6, Payne earned a new nickname for Bridges

Cameron Payne earned Mikal Bridges a hilarious new nickname after the New York Knicks' sixth victory over the Detroit Pistons.

New York Knicks are advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs, and they have won a popular new nickname - named by defender Cameron Payne. After the team's dramatic victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6, Payne revealed that teammate Mikal Bridges was nicknamed "Laper Line Carl".

Before the Knicks are about to play a second round with defending champion Boston Celtics, Payne told New York Post reporter Jared Schwartz that the nickname stems from a moment in the midnight break of the game six. At that time, New York lost 38 points in the second quarter and fell 59-61 at the end of the half. Before returning to the court, Bridges encouraged his teammates to go all out and make a strong start – starting with a layup in the warm-up match.

Micar Bridges climaxed in the third quarter, Jaylen Brunson helped the Knicks reverse the Pistons in the first five games of the series, the Knicks were scored by 33 points in the third quarter (142-109). But under Bridges' call, New York reversed Detroit 37-24 in the third quarter - a key reversal that changed the course of the game.

Bridges fulfilled his promise with one of his best performances since joining the Knicks in the mid-season. He made 11 of 16 shots in the game, scoring 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. His efficiency and vitality helped the New York team to achieve stability on both sides of the offense and defense.

Jaylen Brunson once again showed his strength at a critical moment. The 2025 Key Player of the Year scored eight of the Knicks' last 11 points, including a three-pointer that beat the score with 4.3 seconds left. He made 15 of 33 shots in the game, scoring 40 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds, helping the Knicks narrowly defeat their opponents 118-116 and locked in the series victory 4-2. The

Game 6 victory marked the Knicks' best performance in the second half of the series and also ensured their advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The first game against the Celtics will be aired on TNT on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. The Knicks are preparing for the toughest test yet, and Bridges' growing presence in the locker room — and his newly acquired nickname of "Carl on the layup line" — reflects the increased confidence and chemistry within the team.