Knicks Edge Pistons in Heated Playoff Battle, Missed Call Controversy Arises

DETROIT, Mich. — The New York Knicks are one win away from advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs after a narrow 94-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Tempers flared at the Little Caesars Arena, not just over the close score, but also due to a controversial missed call. With seconds remaining, Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a three-pointer when referees failed to call a foul on Knicks’ Josh Hart.

“When we reviewed the play postgame, we determined that there was a foul,” said crew chief David Guthrie. “Hart made body contact that was beyond marginal.” If a foul had been called, Hardaway would have had a chance to make three free throws with just 0.3 seconds left.

After the game, Hart acknowledged the contact. “Did I make contact? Yeah, I did,” Hart remarked. “Was it legal? I don’t know. We’ll let the two-minute report decide that.”

The Pistons led by two points late in the game until Knicks’ center Karl-Anthony Towns hit a clutch three-pointer, giving New York a 94-93 lead.

With 11 seconds left, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham missed a jump shot. In the ensuing scramble, Hardaway received the ball in the corner, pump-faked, and took the shot that led to the controversial play. Hart’s defense colliding with Hardaway at the moment of the shot sparked a heated discussion among players and officials.

Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff expressed his frustration with the no-call. “There’s contact on Tim Hardaway’s jump shot. That’s clear,” he stated. “He’s at Timmy’s mercy.” The loss puts the Pistons on the brink of elimination, with the Knicks leading the series 3-1.

New York All-Star guard Jalen Brunson led the team with 32 points, while Towns contributed 27. Towns remained optimistic after the tight win, stating, “Happy we got a win. Going back to Madison Square Garden.”

Game 5 of the series is set for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.