Pistons drop first home playoff game in six years; Knicks take 2-1 series lead

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Apr 24, 2025

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DETROIT — The atmosphere inside Little Caesars Arena was electric as soon as the Detroit Pistons stepped onto the court for warmups Thursday night. Even when they started the game by missing their first seven shots, the fans continued to electrify the arena, particularly with their chants directed at Jalen Brunson, which included expletives.

"We've heard and can remember what it was like a long time ago, but I know from watching the Lions play in their playoff games, (I know) what the fans, atmosphere and excitement are going to be like," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "We’ve had some games here late in the season where the fans were awesome, and I don’t expect anything different tonight."

The sellout crowd that witnessed the Pistons' first playoff home game in six years was stoked. However, they departed the arena disappointed as the New York Knicks claimed a 118-116 win in Game 3 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Pistons now trail the best-of-seven series 2-1.

If not for Tim Hardaway Jr.'s impressive shooting, fans would have had little to cheer about early. Hardaway bounced back from his horrific 0-of-8 night in Game 2 by connecting on the Pistons' first field goal with a triple at the 9:06 mark of the first quarter.

Hardaway's 3-pointer led to the veteran scoring 18 of his 24 points in the first half on 5-of-6 shooting with five made triples. He wasn't alone in keeping Detroit afloat after the team's subpar start. Dennis Schröder continued his impressive performance from the Pistons' Game 2 victory, contributing 18 points off the bench.

However, despite the dynamic play from the duo, the Pistons trailed the Knicks 66-53 at halftime. New York closed the second period on a 20-5 run. While OG Anunoby scored 22 points, New York received a major boost from Karl-Anthony Towns.

Similar to Hardaway, Towns recovered from a disappointing outing Monday night at Madison Square Garden. The All-Star big man recorded 31 points (10 of 18, 4 of 8 from 3) and eight rebounds to lead the Knicks. He scored 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting in the first half.

Jalen Duren (16 points and eight rebounds) set an early tone at the start of the second half, which ignited a comeback attempt by Detroit. After trailing by as many as 14 points (64-50), the Pistons cut their double-digit deficit down to two (75-73) with 5:19 left in the third quarter.

Duren scored 10 points during the run. However, Detroit missed four straight field-goal attempts to close the quarter, which led to the Pistons trailing 93-83 at the end of the period.

Duren was unable to maintain his play due to foul trouble. However, Paul Reed came off the bench to provide Detroit with a boost by adding eight rebounds.

With 5:25 left in the fourth quarter, Schröder hit a 3-point field goal, narrowing the Pistons' deficit to five points at 100-95. However, the Knicks outscored the Pistons 12-5 in the next four minutes to secure the victory.

Brunson recorded 30 points and nine assists for New York, while Mikal Bridges scored 20.

Observations and notes

— OK night for Cade: Following his masterpiece at Madison Square Garden, Cade Cunningham shot 10 of 25 from the field and committed six turnovers. He finished with 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.

— Rough game for Harris: After averaging 20.0 points on 58.3% shooting through the first two games, Tobias Harris struggled in Game 3. He began the night shooting 0 of 5 from the field and had an issue staying on the floor due to foul trouble. He finished with five points on 2-of-9 shooting.

— Stu still day-to-day: Isaiah Stewart missed his second consecutive game on Thursday due to inflammation in his right knee. Before the game, Bickerstaff said Stewart will remain day-to-day as he continues his recovery.

Up next

The Pistons will continue the best-of-seven series with Game 4 against the Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.