The New York Knicks secured a crucial 118-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Thursday night, taking a 2-1 series lead.

While the Knicks made several clutch baskets down the stretch, the game wasn’t without its tense moments. The final seconds of regulation featured a dramatic incident involving a clock malfunction, which left New York head coach Tom Thibodeau frustrated.

With the Knicks holding a one-point lead and mere seconds left on the clock, Jalen Brunson was fouled on an inbounds pass, sending him to the free-throw line. With a chance to seal the game, Brunson made the first free throw to give the Knicks a two-point advantage. On the second attempt, Brunson intentionally missed, knowing there was not enough time for the Pistons to attempt a legitimate shot.

However, the clock operator started the game clock too early, throwing off the final seconds. After a review, the officials awarded possession to Detroit, giving them a final chance with just 0.5 seconds left in the game.

While a miracle was still unlikely for the Pistons, the Knicks dodged a bullet when Detroit’s Jalen Duren committed an inbounds turnover, allowing New York to regain possession and secure the victory.

Despite the favorable outcome, Thibodeau was vocal about the clock malfunction.

“They said that’s what’s in the rules,” Thibodeau explained. “It doesn’t seem right to me. It’s unfortunate—this should never happen in a playoff game. Never happen.”

Both Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns added light-hearted comments about the situation, referencing the unique circumstances of playing in Detroit.

“We’re in Detroit, what do you expect?” Hart quipped.

Towns joked, “I’ve gotta shout out to the table. Giving your team another chance like that is fire – I’ve never seen something like that in 10 years of playing in the NBA.”

This dramatic moment highlights the intensity and unpredictability of NBA playoff games, where every second counts. As the series continues, the Knicks will look to build on their momentum and maintain control of the series.

Key Takeaways:

• Knicks win Game 3 of the NBA playoffs, leading the series 2-1.

• Jalen Brunson’s free throws and clock malfunction spark controversy.

• Tom Thibodeau voices concerns over clock issues in playoff games.

• New York secures the victory despite the Pistons’ final-second chance.