Knicks Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Pistons After Controversial Game 4
The New York Knicks are on the brink of advancing to the next round of the NBA playoffs after taking a 3-1 series lead over the Detroit Pistons. Sunday’s Game 4 thriller saw the Pistons turn a 16-point deficit into an 11-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, only for the Knicks to rally late and steal a 94-93 victory, according to a report by USA Today.
The game was marked by intensity and physicality, and the officiating crew, by and large, allowed contact to slide. However, a crucial no-call on the final shot attempt of the night has sparked controversy. Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted a 3-point try as Knicks forward Josh Hart made contact with his body. The officiating crew failed to call a foul, and the game ended with the Knicks holding a one-point lead.
According to USA Today, crew chief David Guthrie said in a pool report that Hart made “body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called.” Hardaway, an 85.5% free throw shooter this season, would have had three chances at the line to make two shots to win the game.
The loss is a significant blow to the Pistons, who now face an elimination game on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. In NBA history, only 13 teams have rallied from a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs to advance. “You go back and look at the film, (Hart) leaves his feet and there’s contact on Tim Hardaway’s jump shot,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after the game. “I don’t know any other way around it: there’s contact on his jump shot. The guy leaves his feet, he’s at Timmy’s mercy — I repeat, there was contact on his jump shot.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the officiating, the Knicks’ shot making in the clutch was a key factor in their victory. Karl-Anthony Towns swished a pair of high-difficulty shots inside the final two minutes, including a logo 3 that gave the Knicks a one-point lead. USA Today reports that Towns’ acquisition has brought significant value to the Knicks, as his shot making has taken some of the offensive burden off Jalen Brunson.
The Pistons, however, continue to struggle with carelessness on the court. They committed 19 turnovers in Game 4, many of which came early in the game and put them in a severe disadvantage. According to USA Today, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has committed 24 turnovers through the first four games of the series. While he has emerged as an elite playmaker, he must work on his efficiency to help the Pistons compete at a higher level.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, the Knicks will look to close out the Pistons and advance to the next round of the playoffs. The Pistons, on the other hand, will look to extend their season and force a Game 6. USA Today reports that the Knicks’ victory in Game 4 was a testament to their resilience and ability to make big shots in critical situations. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson leading the charge, the Knicks are poised to take the series and move on to the next round of the playoffs.
The NBA playoffs have seen numerous comebacks from 3-1 deficits, but it remains to be seen if the Pistons can pull off a miraculous comeback. As the series continues, fans can expect more intense and physical games between the Knicks and Pistons.
Towns’ clutch shot making has been a key factor in the Knicks’ success this season. According to USA Today, Towns’ ability to make big shots has taken some of the pressure off Brunson, allowing him to focus on other aspects of his game.
The Knicks’ victory in Game 4 was a significant one, as it gave them a 3-1 series lead and put them on the brink of advancing to the next round of the playoffs. With their sights set on the next round, the Knicks will look to close out the Pistons in Game 5.
The Pistons’ loss in Game 4 was a tough one, as they fought hard to come back from a 16-point deficit. Despite their efforts, the Pistons were unable to overcome the Knicks’ clutch shot making and resilient defence.
As the series continues, fans can expect more exciting games between the Knicks and Pistons. With the Knicks holding a 3-1 series lead, the Pistons will look to extend their season and force a Game 6.
The officiating in Game 4 has sparked controversy, with many questioning the no-call on Hardaway’s final shot attempt. According to USA Today, the officiating crew’s decision not to call a foul has been widely debated, with many arguing that it was a crucial mistake that cost the Pistons the game.
In conclusion, the Knicks’ victory in Game 4 has put them in a strong position to advance to the next round of the playoffs. With their sights set on the next round, the Knicks will look to close out the Pistons in Game 5. The Pistons, on the other hand, will look to extend their season and force a Game 6.
The NBA playoffs have seen numerous upsets and comebacks, but it remains to be seen if the Pistons can pull off a miraculous comeback. As the series continues, fans can expect more intense and physical games between the Knicks and Pistons.
USA Today reports that the Knicks’ resilience and ability to make big shots in critical situations have been key factors in their success this season. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson leading the charge, the Knicks are poised to take the series and move on to the next round of the playoffs.
The series between the Knicks and Pistons has been marked by intensity and physicality, with both teams fighting hard for every possession. As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, the Knicks will look to close out the Pistons and advance to the next round of the playoffs.
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