Brunson scores 32, Towns adds 27 and Knicks beat Pistons 94-93 to take 3-1 series lead
In a closely contested game, the New York Knicks edged out the Detroit Pistons 94-93 to secure a 3-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup. Jalen Brunson shone with 32 points and 11 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute to finish with 27 points. Despite Detroit's Cade Cunningham achieving his first playoff triple-double with 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, his late missed shots and turnover proved costly. The game was marked by a strong start from the Knicks, who forced turnovers and established an early lead, although the Pistons battled back to take control in the third quarter. Injuries were a concern, with the Knicks' Brunson briefly leaving the court and the Pistons missing Isaiah Stewart for a third consecutive game.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points and 11 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute, finishing with 27 points, helping secure a narrow victory against the Pistons.
Cade Cunningham recorded his first playoff triple-double for Detroit with 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, but faltered in the crucial moments by missing shots and committing a turnover late in the game.
The Knicks began the game aggressively, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them to establish a significant 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
Detroit mounted a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 28-14, thanks to Cunningham's standout play, which included 12 points, five assists, five rebounds, and three blocks.
New York's Jalen Brunson gave the Knicks a scare when he limped off the court with a knee injury late in the third quarter, but he returned in the fourth to contribute to the tightly contested final minutes.
The Pistons struggled without Isaiah Stewart, who missed his third consecutive game due to a knee injury, and their playoff home game losing streak extended to nine, matching an NBA record.
The physical nature of the game was highlighted by a controversial non-call at the buzzer when Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a 3-pointer and drew contact from Josh Hart, but no foul was called.