In a closely contested playoff game, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Detroit Pistons with a score of 118-116, gaining a 2-1 lead in their playoff series as of April 24, 2025. Karl-Anthony Towns led the offense with 31 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 30 points. OG Anunoby also added 22 points. The next match, Game 4, is set to take place in Detroit on Sunday.

Notably, the Pistons have faced eight straight home playoff losses since 2008, just one shy of the NBA record previously established by Philadelphia between 1968 and 1971. After the Pistons’ win in Game 2, they briefly held the home-court advantage, but the Knicks have now reclaimed it.

Brunson, who was recently awarded the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, played a pivotal role late in the game. He executed two layups to give New York a seven-point edge. Additionally, Tim Hardaway Jr. connected on a crucial 3-pointer with only 5.8 seconds remaining, reducing the gap for the Pistons.

In closing seconds, Brunson secured a four-point lead with free throws, after a controversial call regarding an over-and-back violation. The Pistons struggled to execute a final play following a turnover from Jalen Duren in the closing seconds.

The Knicks led with a commanding 33-27 after the first quarter and maintained their lead despite the Pistons’ efforts to come back in the third. Their strong defensive and offensive plays allowed them to stave off Detroit’s attempts to rally.