Knicks Edge Pistons in Tight Playoff Clash

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Detroit Pistons 118-116 on Thursday, taking a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 31 points, while Jalen Brunson added 30 and OG Anunoby contributed 22.

The game took place at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks capitalized on their home-court advantage. Brunson, newly named the NBA Clutch Player of the Year, made crucial layups in the final minutes, helping the Knicks build a seven-point lead.

Despite the loss, the Pistons showed resilience, looking to gain momentum after winning Game 2 in New York, ending a 15-game playoff losing streak. However, they fell short once again, marking their eighth consecutive playoff loss at home since 2008.

With 5.8 seconds left in the game, Tim Hardaway Jr. hit a three-pointer, cutting the Knicks’ lead to just three points. Brunson then sank one of two free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining, extending the lead to four. He intentionally missed his second free throw, a strategy that left Detroit with limited time to respond.

Detroit’s final play fell apart when Jalen Duren‘s pass from the bench area went out of bounds, giving the Knicks the victory. The next game in the series is scheduled for Sunday in Detroit.