New York Knicks snatch victory to boost 3-1 NBA playoff advantage over Detroit Pistons
In the heated Game 4 of the Pistons-Knicks showdown, controversy brewed when Tim Hardaway Jr. was fouled by Josh Hart on a nail-biting late-game three-point attempt. The Pistons protested vehemently, but alas, their challenge was nowhere to be found. The Knicks snatched the win, setting the stage for a chance to clinch the series at home on Tuesday[2][4].
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff was livid, echoing the sentiments of frustrated Pistons fans. "Blatant contact on Tim Hardaway's jump shot," he sternly stated post-game. "I don't see how that can be denied, there's contact on his jump shot," he fumed[1][3][5].
Fueled by Cade Cunningham's impressive triple-double (25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), the Pistons stormed back from an early 16-point deficit, leading by 11 points in the fourth quarter. However, Knicks powerhouse, Brunson, returned from a brief ankle tweak to slam in 15 points in the final period, leading the Knicks back to a thrilling victory[1][3][5].
As the clock wound down, Towns closed the gap to just two points with a gritty basket and then drilled a three-pointer, putting the Knicks up 94-93 with 47 seconds remaining[1][3][5].
The Pistons had two opportunities to snatch the win but fell short, leaving them to grapple with a daunting 3-1 series deficit[2][4]. "We stuck together, we found a way to win," Brunson declared[1][3][5].
Meanwhile, in Western Conference action, the Minnesota Timberwolves aimed to strengthen their 2-1 series lead against LeBron James' LA Lakers. Eastern Conference matches saw defending champions Boston Celtics eyeing a 3-1 series advantage against the Magic in Orlando, while the Milwaukee Bucks fought tooth and nail to level their series with the Pacers, who held a 2-1 lead[1][3][5].
[1] CNN Sports
[2] ESPN
[3] Sports Illustrated
[4] NBC Sports
[5] NBA.com
- Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, mirroring the sentiments of disappointed India-based fans, criticized the referee's decision, asserting that there was blatant contact on Tim Hardaway's jump shot during the Eastern Conference match against the Knicks.
- Tim Hardaway Jr., a key player for the Pistons, had a standout performance with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the game, showcasing his prowess in the sports of basketball within the NBA.
- Despite the controversial finish of Game 4, the Knicks managed to overcome the Pistons' 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, thanks in part to RJ Barrett's impressive performance, including 15 rebounds, contributing to the Knicks' victory.
- The Knicks, with their Game 4 win, now have the opportunity to clinch the series at home on Tuesday, leaving the Pistons, who are currently down 3-1, scrambling to find a way to rebound in the next games.
