Referee admits error in Knicks’ narrow win over Pistons

DETROIT — In a tense Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks edged out the Detroit Pistons 94-93 on Sunday afternoon, but controversy overshadowed the final moments of the match. With only 0.3 seconds remaining, Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a three-pointer with the Knicks leading by one. Contact from Knicks defender Josh Hart went uncalled, infuriating Pistons fans and players.

After reviewing the game, crew chief David Guthrie conceded that the contact should have been ruled a foul. “During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play,” Guthrie explained. “After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr., and a foul should have been called.” This decision could have sent Hardaway to the foul line for three crucial free throws.

The missed call left the Pistons, who attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, feeling frustrated. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed his disbelief at the no-call. “There was contact on Tim Hardaway’s jump shot. Hart left his feet,” he asserted.

Hardaway himself reflected on the moment, saying, “You all saw it. It was blatant.” He added, “Did I make contact with [Tim Hardaway Jr.]? Yeah, I made contact with him. Was it legal? I don’t know.”

The Knicks’ win puts them ahead 3-1 in the best-of-seven first-round series and sets the stage for a potential series-clinching game on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks made a significant comeback in the fourth quarter after trailing by 11, propelled by strong performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Brunson scored 15 points in the final period, while Towns contributed crucial baskets. Their efforts ultimately overshadowed Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who finished with a triple-double but missed critical shots late in the game.

Despite the loss, Cunningham’s leadership and performance throughout the playoffs have been recognized. “He’s been playing great,” Brunson said of Cunningham. “Just the effect he has on his teammates. They follow their leader.” The series continues as the Knicks look to close it out at home.