New York Knicks outlast Detroit Pistons 118-116 to regain series lead in Game 3 thriller

The New York Knicks outlasted the Detroit Pistons 118-116 to seize a 2-1 series advantage in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson led the charge as the Knicks fought off the Pistons' comeback attempt.

Towns bounced back from a poor performance in Game 2, finishing with a game-high 31 points and eight rebounds including three 3-pointers in the first quarter, while Brunson added 30 points and nine assists, highlighted by a series of buckets in the final minutes to seal a narrow win.

Cade Cunningham racked up 24 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds but it wasn't quite enough as the Pistons struggled to slow down the Knicks' offensive onslaught. Mikal Bridges and OG Anonoby combined for 42 points as New York compiled a 46-34 edge in paint points.

Detroit stayed within striking distance throughout the night and cut the deficit to one point in the final seconds but a potential game-winning shot attempt went out the window after a costly turnover. The Pistons will try to regroup ahead of a must-win Game 4 on Sunday afternoon on ABC.

Knicks stats leaders:

Karl-Anthony Towns: 31 points, 8 rebounds

Jalen Brunson: 30 points, 9 assists

OG Anonoby: 22 points, 2 rebounds

Mikal Bridges: 20 points, 7 rebounds

Josh Hart: 6 points, 11 rebounds

Pistons stats leaders

Cade Cunningham: 24 points, 11 assists

Tim Hardaway Jr: 24 points, 2 rebounds

Dennis Schroder: 18 points, 5 rebounds

Jalen Duren: 16 points, 8 rebounds

Malik Beasley: 12 points, 2 rebounds

Series breakdown

Game 1: Knicks 123-112

Game 2: Pistons 100-94

Game 3: Knicks 118-116

Game 4: April 27

Game 5: April 29

Game 6: May 1

Game 7: May 3

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