Knicks Beat Pistons 118-116, Take 2-1 Series Lead

The New York Knicks earned a narrow 118-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series, taking a 2-1 lead. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 31 points, bouncing back from two quieter games and showcasing his versatility, while Jalen Brunson contributed 30 points, including crucial baskets in the final minute to help secure the win. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges added 22 and 20 points respectively, marking the first time in 53 years that four Knicks players scored 20 or more points in a playoff game. The Knicks built a halftime lead with a strong second-quarter run, but the Pistons repeatedly closed the gap, with Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scoring 24 points for Detroit. Late-game controversies included a premature buzzer and a debated inbounds play, but Detroit failed to capitalize as a final pass sailed out of bounds. The Pistons have now lost eight straight home playoff games, one shy of the NBA record.