Intense Rivalry: Pistons and Knicks Clash in Game 3

DETROIT — The rivalry between the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks remains fierce as they compete in the East’s most thrilling first-round playoff series.

In a gripping and physical Game 3 on Thursday, the Knicks managed to edge out a victory with a score of 118-116, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The intense nature of the game was marked by five technical fouls and one flagrant foul.

Despite the tense atmosphere, players from both teams expressed dissatisfaction over a couple of unusual calls in the closing moments of the game. With the Pistons trailing 116-113 and only five seconds remaining, they intended to foul Knicks star Jalen Brunson as he received an inbound pass from Mikal Bridges. Though Brunson appeared to catch the ball in the frontcourt, his momentum took him back into the backcourt before being fouled by Detroit’s Ausar Thompson.

Pistons fans, including former NBA player Jalen Rose, were vocal in their frustration regarding the no-call, especially after replays were shown at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit’s coach J.B. Bickerstaff also questioned the call, seeking clarity on the ruling.

Crew chief Zach Zarba later explained that Brunson had not completely established himself in the frontcourt when he caught the ball, stating, “Brunson and the trajectory of the pass were headed toward the backcourt,” which justified the play as legal under the league’s rules.

Another controversial moment occurred in the final second after Pistons forward Tobias Harris made a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to 117-116. After Detroit fouled Brunson with 0.5 seconds remaining, he scored one free throw and attempted to intentionally miss the second, as instructed by coach Tom Thibodeau. However, the clock started prematurely, giving the Pistons an unexpected opportunity for a last-second shot, despite having no timeouts left.

Ultimately, the opportunity was rendered moot when Pistons center Jalen Duren overthrew Cade Cunningham, resulting in the ball going out of bounds and sealing the Knicks’ victory. Thibodeau and the Knicks expressed their frustration, feeling the Pistons had been given an unwarranted chance to score.

Game 4 of this contentious series will take place in Detroit on Sunday afternoon, continuing the fierce competition between these two teams.