The Brooklyn Nets concluded their season with a home game against the New York Knicks, while the Knicks prepared for their playoff run against the Detroit Pistons. In a nail-biting Game 3, former Nets player Dennis Schroder led the Pistons but fell short in a 118-116 loss against New York. Schroder contributed 18 points and five rebounds off the bench as the Pistons mounted a comeback from a 14-point deficit. The Pistons displayed balanced scoring but struggled defensively against the Knicks' potent offense, where Karl-Anthony Towns shone with 31 points. This loss puts the Knicks ahead 2-1 in the series, with Game 4 set for Sunday.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks faced a flagrant foul charge and the ire of Detroit Pistons fans following an eye poke incident during Game 3 of their playoff series. The Knicks were leading 20-11 in the first quarter when Brunson fouled Tim Hardaway Jr. while he attempted a 3-pointer. The officials reviewed the play and ruled that Brunson's contact was unnecessary, resulting in a flagrant foul being assessed.

Hardaway, visibly in pain from the poke, received three free throws, converting all three and subsequently hitting a 3-pointer on the next possession, turning the tide momentarily. The escalating tensions reflect the fierce competition and emotional stakes in this playoff series, with both teams vying for dominance.

The New York Knicks faced off against the Detroit Pistons in a riveting playoff matchup that showcased notable performances from key players on both sides. The first half saw the Knicks surge ahead, particularly with OG Anunoby's versatile play, contributing 18 points. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points and Jalen Brunson chipped in 13. On the Pistons’ side, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the scoring with 18 points, while Cade Cunningham and Dennis Schroder each scored 13. As the game progressed, Detroit’s defense struggled with turnovers, giving New York an edge in offensive opportunities.

After a strong first quarter, the Knicks held a narrow lead, but the Pistons found their rhythm and managed to tie the game. Even with a shaky start, Detroit's Cunningham eventually found his footing, leading to his team's first playoff victory in 17 years against the Knicks. The Pistons capitalized on the Knicks’ turnovers and executed key plays to maintain their advantage, while the Knicks will need to make adjustments heading into the next game.

In a tightly contested playoff matchup, the Detroit Pistons faced a critical moment in Game 1 against the New York Knicks. With the Pistons holding a narrow lead at 80-76 in the third quarter, Tim Hardaway Jr. executed what appeared to be a two-handed dunk. However, the play turned controversial when Hardaway was fouled by Josh Hart, causing the ball to ricochet off the net without falling through. The officials ruled offensive goaltending on Hardaway, denying the basket and leading to significant implications for the Pistons.

The Knicks capitalized on the missed call, cutting the lead to two points before the Pistons responded with a 7-0 run to regain control. Despite the controversy surrounding the no-call on Hardaway, the Pistons managed to close the quarter leading 91-83. This pivotal moment raises questions about officiating decisions in the playoffs and their potential impact on game outcomes.

Tim Hardaway Jr. returned to Madison Square Garden for a playoff game with the Detroit Pistons, having previously spent four years with the Knicks without reaching the postseason. Now 33, Hardaway joins a Pistons team transformed from the league's worst to a playoff contender, largely due to key players with ties to New York, including Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, and Dennis Schröder. Harris, a Long Island native, is the most experienced among them, having previously played in the playoffs with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Despite their success in the regular season, Hardaway cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that every game in the playoffs is a unique challenge. The Pistons, now seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference, aim to leverage their collective preparation and experience against the heavily favored Knicks, who finished the season with a strong record. Hardaway’s history with the Knicks adds an emotional layer to the matchup, making it a compelling narrative as the series unfolds.