Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 points as the New York Knicks beat Detroit 118-116 in a Game 3 decided by two disputed late sequences.
Jalen Brunson added 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as New York took a 2-1 series lead.
Officials rule Brunson’s backcourt move legal
Tim Hardaway Jr. cut New York’s lead to three with 5.8 seconds remaining.
On the next possession, Brunson caught the inbounds pass and carried the ball into the backcourt. Detroit demanded an over-and-back violation, but Ausar Thompson was called for a foul.
Crew chief Zach Zarba explained that Brunson’s momentum prevented him from establishing a position in the frontcourt, making the play legal under NBA rules.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff disagreed and argued that Brunson had already secured possession.
Early horn creates another controversy
Tobias Harris made a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left to cut the margin to 117-116.
Brunson made one free throw and deliberately missed the second. The horn sounded before anyone touched the rebound.
Officials reviewed the play and gave Detroit the ball with half a second remaining. Jalen Duren’s long pass went out untouched, ending the game.
“That should never happen in a playoff game,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.
Towns and Brunson carry New York
Towns made four of eight three-pointers after hitting only one across the first two games.
OG Anunoby scored 22 and Mikal Bridges added 20 for the Knicks.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 24 points and 11 assists but committed six turnovers. Hardaway also scored 24 and made seven threes.
The physical game included five technical fouls and a flagrant foul on Brunson.
