The New York Knicks are heading back to Madison Square Garden with a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round series against the Detroit Pistons in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Knicks showcased their resilience by completing a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in Game 4, clinching a thrilling 94-93 victory that was highlighted by a controversial final sequence.
In the closing moments of the game, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an outstanding performance for the Knicks, putting them ahead with under one minute remaining. Towns executed two incredible shots: a baseline fadeaway that soared over the backcourt and found the net, followed by a stunning 27-foot step-back three-pointer that left fans in awe. His clutch shooting was pivotal in securing the Knicks' narrow lead.
With only 11 seconds left on the clock, the Pistons had one last opportunity to reclaim the lead. They put the ball in the hands of their star guard, Cade Cunningham, but Knicks forward OG Anunoby was quick to defend, forcing Cunningham to miss the shot. However, the loose ball took an unexpected bounce, landing in the corner with Tim Hardaway Jr., leading to a chaotic sequence.
As Hardaway prepared to shoot, Knicks player Josh Hart rushed out to contest the shot. In an attempt to avoid a foul, Hart pulled back his arms but made contact with Hardaway’s body. The aftermath was a heated reaction from Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff, who vehemently protested the no-call, insisting there was clear contact on the jump shot. Following the game, the referees acknowledged in their pool report that a foul should have been called, a revelation that further fueled Bickerstaff's frustration.
Had the foul been called, Hardaway would have had the opportunity to shoot three free throws with the Pistons trailing by one point in the dying seconds of the game. Instead, the Knicks celebrated their victory and now stand just one win away from advancing to the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Game 4 between the Knicks and Pistons was a quintessential Eastern Conference battle, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness that fans have come to expect from these two storied franchises. This series has provided an exhilarating spectacle, and Game 4 was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling chapters yet.
