Knicks Beat Pistons in Controversial Game 3 of Playoff Series

DETROIT — The New York Knicks edged the Detroit Pistons 118-116 in a contentious Game 3 of their first-round playoff series Thursday night. This hard-fought game included multiple technical fouls and a flagrant foul, underscoring the intense rivalry.

With just five seconds remaining, the Pistons were down 116-113 when Knicks star Jalen Brunson received an inbounds pass. Pistons fans and coach J.B. Bickerstaff were outraged as they believed Brunson had traveled when he caught the ball. Replay showed Brunson catching the ball near the midcourt line, with his movement leading him into the backcourt.

Bickerstaff shared his confusion about the ruling: “There are some things procedurally that I have questions about, and I’d be interested to hear some answers,” he said.

Referee Zach Zarba addressed the situation in a postgame interview, explaining that Brunson had not established a frontcourt position when he received the ball. “Brunson’s momentum was taking him there when he touched the ball,” Zarba said.

The late-game drama continued when Pistons forward made a three-pointer, narrowing the score to 117-116. After fouling Brunson with half a second left, he successfully made the first free throw. Brunson was then instructed by Coach Tom Thibodeau to intentionally miss the second shot, hoping for a better chance to run out the clock.

However, Brunson’s miss led to unexpected chaos. The game clock started before anyone else touched the ball, prompting officials to award the Pistons possession on the sideline with only 0.5 seconds remaining. Thibodeau voiced his frustration about the controversial decision, suggesting it was unfair.

“That should never happen, ever, in a playoff game,” Thibodeau said.

Despite the unusual circumstances, the Pistons squandered their opportunity when center mishandled an inbounds pass. The Knicks celebrated the victory while the Pistons were left pondering what could have been.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 31 points, contributing significantly after a lackluster showing in Game 2. Multiple Knicks players scored 20 or more points, showcasing a strong team effort.

The series is now tied 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Detroit as both teams eye a crucial win in the competitive playoff matchup.