The New York Knicks survived a fierce Detroit Pistons comeback to secure a dramatic 118-116 win in Game 3 at Little Caesars Arena, taking a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
Two Major Controversies in the Final Seconds
With five seconds left and New York ahead 116-113, Jalen Brunson appeared to receive an inbounds pass in the frontcourt before drifting into the backcourt. Pistons fans and coach J.B. Bickerstaff erupted in protest, but crew chief Zach Zarba later explained that Brunson’s momentum carried him backward, making the play legal under NBA rules.
Moments later, confusion struck again. After Brunson intentionally missed a free throw with 0.5 seconds remaining, the clock started prematurely before anyone touched the ball. Officials awarded Detroit possession, drawing outrage from Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and players like Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns, who hinted at possible “home cooking.”
Detroit, however, squandered the chance, with Jalen Duren’s inbound pass sailing over Cade Cunningham’s head.
A Physical, Chippy Battle Defines Game 3
The series’ most physical game so far featured five technical fouls and one flagrant foul, setting an intense playoff tone.
Karl-Anthony Towns rebounded from a rough Game 2 to score 31 points and lead New York. Four Knicks starters finished with at least 20 points, and Josh Hart contributed 11 rebounds and nine assists.
For Detroit, Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. both scored 24 points. The Pistons fell behind by 13 at halftime but fought back fiercely, setting up the chaotic final minutes.
What’s Next
The Pistons and Knicks will square off again in Detroit for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. Detroit faces a must-win to avoid falling into a 3-1 series hole.
