NBA playoffs: Karl-Anthony Towns' deep 3-pointer gives Knicks 94-93 win over Pistons in Game 4
Detroit had two opportunities in the final seconds for a winning shot, but couldn't come through
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Karl-Anthony Towns' deep 3-pointer with 47 seconds remaining in regulation gave the New York Knicks a one-point lead in an eventual 94-93 victory in Game 4 of their first-round NBA playoff series with the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks lead the series 3-1 and can close the series out in Game 5, scheduled for Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
The Pistons had two opportunities to take the lead, but Cade Cunningham lost the ball while driving to the basket following Towns' 3-pointer. After Jalen Brunson missed a floater with 13 seconds left, Detroit had one last shot. But Cade Cunningham missed a jumper from the foul line. Tim Hardaway Jr. appeared to be fouled on a follow-up shot attempt from the corner, but no call was made.
Detroit shakes off rough start
Perhaps the Pistons were nervous while beginning what could be their final home game of the season. Maybe they were fatigued from a longer season than last year. Or maybe a strong defensive effort from the Knicks set the early tone.
But New York looked like a team ready to take control of this series after three close games and continue the long playoff run expected of them before the season. On the other side, Detroit appeared to be overwhelmed by the moment, like a young team experiencing postseason pressure for the first time.
Jalen Brunson left game with leg injury, but returned in fourth quarter
Brunson left Sunday's NBA playoff game between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons with a leg injury late in the second half, but eventually returned.
With approximately three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Brunson got tangled up with Detroit's Dennis Schroder while attempting to bring the ball upcourt. The ball was stolen by Schroder, who dished off to Cade Cunningham for a dunk, which extended the Pistons' lead to 65-61.
Jalen Brunson is heading to the locker room after suffering an ankle injury. pic.twitter.com/bLHsMsFdfr— Fireside Knicks (@FiresideKnicks) April 27, 2025
Brunson had to be helped to his feet and had difficulty putting weight on his right leg as he went to the locker room.
However, the Knicks point guard returned to the bench during the fourth quarter and didn't appear to have any issue. He re-entered the game two minutes into the frame and quickly took two shots, making one. Brunson went on to score 13 points after returning, making four of five shots.
