The NBA's end-of-year awards have sparked intense debate, particularly with the MVP race between Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as Draymond Green's late push for Defensive Player of the Year. Despite the Chicago Bulls' lack of representation, Matas Buzelis earned recognition for his quality rookie season, averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds. Jokić's triple-double average solidified his MVP win, while Dyson Daniels claimed Defensive Player of the Year. Ivica Zubac and Payton Pritchard were recognized for Most Improved Player and Sixth Man, respectively. Jalen Brunson took home Clutch Player of the Year, and Kenny Atkinson was named Coach of the Year for leading the Cavaliers to the top of the East.

The Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks clashed in a tightly contested Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, with the Knicks narrowly winning 118-116. The match was marked by intense physicality, resulting in five technical fouls and one flagrant foul. Controversy erupted in the closing moments over officiating decisions, particularly regarding a backcourt violation involving Knicks guard Jalen Brunson that went uncalled. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed confusion over the officiating, while crew chief Zach Zarba defended the decision, citing Brunson's momentum as a reason for the legality of the play.

Another contentious moment occurred after Tobias Harris's late three-pointer brought the Pistons within one point. When Brunson was instructed to miss his second free throw intentionally, the game clock started prematurely after he complied, leading to an erroneous possession call in favor of Detroit. Despite having an unexpected chance to win, the Pistons failed to capitalize, with Jalen Duren's errant inbound pass sealing their fate. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and players voiced their displeasure over how the situation unfolded, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in playoff officiating.

In a thrilling playoff battle, the New York Knicks triumphed over the Detroit Pistons with a narrow 118-116 victory in Game 3, taking a series lead. Karl-Anthony Towns was the standout performer, scoring 31 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 30 points, including a crucial 13 in the fourth quarter. The Knicks shot 46.5% from the field and dominated free throw shooting at 89.7%.

The Pistons, buoyed by an electric home crowd after a six-year wait, fought hard but fell short. Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scored 24 points, but late-game mistakes, including an errant inbounds pass from Jalen Duren, sealed their fate. With the series now favoring the Knicks, anticipation builds for Game 4 in Detroit.

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.