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.

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.

Karl-Anthony Towns showcased his potential during the playoffs last year, contributing significantly to the Minnesota Timberwolves' run to the Western Conference Finals. His ability to perform under pressure was evident as he scored 25 points in a critical Game 4 and 28 points in a decisive Game 5. However, his recent performance in the Knicks' 100-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons raised eyebrows, particularly his lack of shot attempts in the fourth quarter and overall three shots in the second half.

Despite a strong start with 10 first-half points, Towns seemed disengaged in critical moments. Coach Tom Thibodeau defended Towns's lack of shots, emphasizing the importance of team strategy over individual scoring. Nevertheless, this raises the question of whether the Knicks are fully utilizing Towns' talents, especially as he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds on impressive shooting percentages this season.