NBA Playoff Updates: New York Knicks Edge Detroit Pistons 118-116 in Game 3

The New York Knicks took Game 3 against the Detroit Pistons 118-116, taking a 2-1 lead in their NBA playoff series. Get the latest updates and highlights.

The New York Knicks took Game 3 from the Detroit Pistons in a nail-biting finish, winning 118-116. This victory gives the Knicks a 2-1 lead in their NBA playoff series. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 points, while Jalen Brunson added 30 points to spark New York's win.

Key Player Performances

• Karl-Anthony Towns: Scored 31 points, playing a crucial role in the Knicks' victory.
• Jalen Brunson: Added 30 points to Towns' score, with both players combining for 61 points.
• O.G. Anunoby: Contributed 22 points to the Knicks' total score.
• Mikal Bridges: Scored 20 points, helping the Knicks seize the edge in the series.
• Cade Cunningham: Led the Pistons with 24 points, along with eight rebounds, 11 assists, four steals, and two blocks in Game 3.

Series Update

The Knicks split the first two games in New York with the Pistons, and now lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled to take place at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday. The Pistons' win in Game 2 was significant, as it ended their 15-game playoff losing streak, the longest in NBA postseason history.

.@karltowns is always thinking green light 😤 pic.twitter.com/AgQd0Mt67q

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 25, 2025

Game four of the Knicks vs. Pistons series is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, at 1 p.m. in Detroit. The current series stands at 2-1 in favor of the Knicks, with the Pistons having won Game 2 at home.

The Detroit Pistons are struggling with a futility run, not having won a playoff series in 17 years. Their drought of home playoff wins stretches back to May 2008. This losing streak has been highlighted by an NBA-record 15-game playoff losing streak, which was recently extended.

Jalen Brunson had an impressive performance, adding nine assists and seven rebounds while hitting 11-of-13 free throws. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed eight rebounds and went 7-of-7 from the free throw line and 4-of-8 from three-point range.

Physical intensity flared late in the first quarter when Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Paul Reed traded shoves, resulting in technical fouls for all three players.

The New York Knicks dominated the second quarter with a 23-6 run, taking a 66-53 halftime lead. OG Anunoby scored eight points and Mikal Bridges added seven during the surge. However, the Detroit Pistons stormed back with a 20-9 run in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 75-73. The Knicks responded strongly, going on a 9-2 run to take a 93-83 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Pistons refused to give up, launching a 12-4 run that cut the lead to 108-105 with just 2:07 remaining. But Jalen Brunson stepped up, scoring back-to-back baskets to put the Knicks ahead 112-105 with 59 seconds left. The Knicks managed to hold off Detroit's late surge, securing a thrilling 118-116 victory.

Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Pistons with 24 points each. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns topped the Knicks with 31 points, while Jalen Brunson added 30 points. The Knicks now lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.

4️⃣ players with 20+ PTS in a playoff game for the first time since 1972

KAT 31 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK
Jalen 30 PTS | 7 REB | 9 AST
OG 22 PTS | 2 STL | 1 BLK
Mikal 20 PTS | 7 REB | 3 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/eDXEHGWDXa

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 25, 2025

In other NBA news, Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference top seed, will try to take a 3-0 lead in their series against Memphis. Additionally, Denver Nuggets will face the Los Angeles Clippers after splitting their first two games in Denver.