In a tightly contested Game 5 matchup between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons, the Pistons emerged victorious with a 106-103 win, largely due to a late-game surge led by Cade Cunningham. The game was marked by the absence of Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who were sidelined due to injuries with under three minutes remaining. Despite Brunson and Hart being available to return, Coach Tom Thibodeau opted not to use a timeout to sub them back in until only 30 seconds remained, a decision that has drawn scrutiny. Thibodeau explained that his decision was based on strategic considerations, including time, score, and team penalties, while Brunson expressed unwavering faith in his team regardless of the outcome. Both players sustained injuries during the game, with Brunson dealing with a recurring ankle issue and Hart experiencing a body ailment after a collision, though both were able to return to the bench later in the game.

The Pistons and Knicks' Game 5 was decided by narrow margins, with the Pistons edging out a 106-103 victory at Madison Square Garden, thanks to Cade Cunningham's performance in the closing quarter.

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were sidelined with injuries with less than three minutes left, significantly impacting the Knicks' ability to close the gap against the Pistons.

Coach Tom Thibodeau chose not to use his final timeout to bring Brunson and Hart back into the game until there were only 30 seconds left, a decision based on several strategic factors including time, score, and penalties.

Thibodeau's decision to wait drew attention and criticism as the Knicks struggled without their key players during the critical moments of the game.

Jalen Brunson had previously struggled with ankle issues, having missed 15 games earlier in the season, and he appeared to reinjure it during a defensive play against Cunningham.

Josh Hart's late-game injury involved a collision and subsequent fall, leading to a brief trip to the locker room before he was able to return to the court.

Despite the loss and the controversial decisions, Brunson maintained his confidence in his teammates, emphasizing his trust and belief in the team's capabilities.

The Pistons and Knicks' Game 5 matchup came down to fine margins. Given the nature of their first-round series thus far, that wasn't much of a surprise.

Detroit and New York clashed like rams beneath the glimmering Madison Square Garden lights. Ultimately, the joust was decided by late-game execution: the Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham's fourth-quarter flourish, secured a 106-103 win to pull one game closer to their adversary.

It was a contest shaped by timely baskets. It was also marked by curious substitutions — or lack thereof.

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As the clock dwindled down and Detroit's late-game advantage bloomed, New York was struck down by not one but two temporary absences. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart sat on the bench after appearing to sustain injuries with a little less than three minutes left in the fourth.

Brunson and Hart were eventually deemed healthy enough to check back into the spectacle, but when they did, there were just 30 seconds left for the Knicks to work with.

With that, here's what you need to know about head Tom Thibodeau's decision to sit on his last timeout — and deprive New York of much-needed production from Brunson and Hart.

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Why Tom Thibodeau saved final timeout vs. Pistons in Game 5

Thibodeau's squad was left without two of its most important players after Brunson and Hart were felled by injuries on the same play with 2:57 left in the fourth quarter.

The Villanova products were subsequently replaced by Miles McBride and Cameron Payne. When they came out of the game, New York was down two. When they returned, the Pistons' advantage had swelled to six with precious little time left.

More puzzling was that for 2:10, Brunson and Hart were standing at the scorer's table, waiting to reenter the contest. Thibodeau opted against using his final timeout until there were just 27.1 seconds left despite the McBride- and Payne-led unit struggling to produce much on either end of the floor.

Thibodeau had to have assumed a stoppage — be that through a foul, turnover, or clock malfunction — was on the horizon. Or perhaps he thought that the Knicks would find more success with their backup guards in the lineup.

Regardless, Thibodeau's move — or lack thereof — came into sharp focus after New York's three-point loss.

Thibodeau explained his thought process as the match wore on with Brunson and Hart on the bench while speaking with reporters postgame.

"Just where we were with our timeouts, coach's decision," Thibodeau said. "You look at time, score, penalty, timeouts, all of the above. What's happening in the game, do you feel like the next possession will put it away. There's a lot that goes into it."

Tom Thibodeau was asked about NYK not calling timeout or fouling DET to stop clock w/Josh Hart & Jalen Brunson at scorer’s table late in 4th Q. Thibodeau called it coach’s decision, said time, score, team FTs are among factors considered. Part of answer: pic.twitter.com/ooTNrZ7EzV

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 30, 2025

Brunson reiterated his belief in his teammates despite the circumstances of Tuesday's defeat.

"It's tough but I have the utmost faith, regardless of the result, in my teammates," Brunson said. "No matter who's out there, trust, faith, belief, all that, I'll always have that with my teammates."

Jalen Brunson was asked about being stuck at the scorer's table with Josh Hart down the stretch of the game:

"It's tough, but I have the utmost faith, regardless of the result. in my teammates." pic.twitter.com/XDYZ8cM6KU

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 30, 2025

Jalen Brunson injury update

Brunson appeared to have injured his right ankle after landing awkwardly while attempting to contest a Cunningham pass with three minutes left in the fourth.

Did the floor at MSG cause Jalen Brunson's injury?

Look at the way the floor moves as he lands. 🤔pic.twitter.com/im8gaNPidZ

— Covers (@Covers) April 30, 2025

Brunson's had some trouble with his right ankle in recent months. He missed 15 games after spraining that joint, only returning to the lineup on April 6. He was also temporarily felled by an injury to the same part of his body during Game 4, but he returned to lead New York to a win.

Josh Hart injury update

Hart crumbled to the ground after landing awkwardly following a collision with Cunningham late in the fourth.

The 30-year-old wing attempted to get up on his feet but soon returned to the floor. He was eventually helped up by his teammates. After a brief spell on the sidelines, Hart was taken to the locker room, but he returned to the floor a few moments later.

Josh Hart is hurt. He went to the locker room during timeout. pic.twitter.com/aGSk2jqSnH

— alder almo (@alderalmo) April 30, 2025

Hart told reporters that he went back into the locker room to "regroup and walk off" his ailment. He didn't reveal the nature of his injury nor which part of his body it impacted, however.

"My whole body's bothering me," Hart said.