Knicks vs Pistons Game 4 Recap, NBA 24-25: NBA Playoffs, Highlights, Game Recap, Review

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Knicks vs Pistons Game 4 Recap, NBA 24-25: In a gripping Game 3 showdown at a raucous Little Caesars Arena, the New York Knicks delivered their strongest performance of the series to edge the Detroit Pistons 118-116, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven first-round NBA playoff series. Game 4 is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Knicks saw standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, all of whom tallied 20+ points. Towns led all scorers with 31 points, while Brunson added 30 and knocked down clutch free throws late.

Detroit fought valiantly and nearly pulled off a last-second miracle, but a wayward inbounds pass from Jalen Duren with 0.5 seconds left sealed their fate. Cade Cunningham, who had a stellar Game 2, finished with 24 points on 10-for-25 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. also contributed 24 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc in the first half.

Game Highlights & Key Moments

• Final Minute: With the Pistons trailing 114-108, Brunson hit back-to-back layups and Towns blocked a key Cunningham layup to hold off a late push.
• Tobias Harris Struggles: After going scoreless on 0-for-6 shooting, Harris finally scored late with a fadeaway jumper to bring it to 104-101.
• Beasley Poster Dunk: Malik Beasley electrified the crowd with a poster dunk over OG Anunoby to open the fourth quarter.
• Third Quarter Surge: Pistons rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to within one, but the Knicks responded with grit. Josh Hart's floater closed the quarter at 93-83.
• Second Half Comeback: A 14-2 Pistons run led by Ausar Thompson cut it to 70-69. Thompson followed up a steal with an and-1 layup and a dunk on consecutive possessions.
• First Half Recap: Knicks led 66-53 at halftime after a 16-4 run to end the second quarter. Towns (17), Anunoby (18), and Brunson (13) led the charge.
• Hardaway Hot Start: Scored 18 first-half points on 5-for-5 3-point shooting. Did not score in Game 2.
• Chippy First Quarter: A shoving match involving Mitchell Robinson, Paul Reed, and Towns resulted in technicals. Pistons crowd unleashed chants at Brunson following his flagrant foul on Hardaway.
• Knicks Early Control: Opened with an 8-1 run and never trailed in the first quarter. Towns hit early 3s and the Knicks capitalized on wide open looks.

Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons:

• PG: Cade Cunningham
• SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
• SF: Ausar Thompson
• PF: Tobias Harris
• C: Jalen Duren

New York Knicks:

• PG: Jalen Brunson
• SG: Josh Hart
• SF: Mikal Bridges
• PF: OG Anunoby
• C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Injuries

• Pistons: Jaden Ivey (fractured left fibula – out), Isaiah Stewart (right knee inflammation – out)
• Knicks: No injuries reported

Broadcast Details

• TV Channels: TNT, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, MSG Network
• Streaming: Sling TV, HBO Max, Prime Video

Series So Far

• Game 1: Knicks 123, Pistons 112
• Game 2: Pistons 100, Knicks 94
• Game 3: Knicks 118, Pistons 116
• Game 4: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC

With the win in Game 3, the Knicks not only reclaimed control of the series but also demonstrated the kind of offensive balance and veteran composure that could carry them deeper into the postseason.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns led with clutch plays in the final minutes, while OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges brought stability on both ends of the floor. Despite fierce resistance from the Pistons and a roaring Detroit crowd, New York showed poise, closing out a high-pressure contest with timely stops and smart decision-making.

Meanwhile, the Pistons have plenty to take away heading into Game 4. Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 48 points, and Detroit’s young core showed stretches of brilliance, particularly in the third-quarter rally.

However, costly turnovers and missed opportunities in crunch time proved too much to overcome. With Game 4 set for Sunday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons will need to tighten up defensively and get more consistent production from their bench if they want to even the series before it heads back to New York.