Knicks escape for thrilling Game 3 win over Pistons to retake series lead

DETROIT — “F–k you, Brunson,” the crowd roared. “F–k you, Brunson,” they shouted. “F–k you, Brunson,” they taunted. Jalen Brunson was the enemy at Little Caesars Arena, the object of the Pistons’ fans’ anger Thursday night. They probably like him even less now in Detroit. Brunson quieted them with his best performance of this postseason, an efficient, effective and gutsy performance that gave the Knicks a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven, opening-round series. Brunson controlled the game, leading Tom Thibodeau’s team to a hard-fought 118-116 victory that gave the orange and blue home-court advantage again.After saying he needed to get off the ball more, Brunson orchestrated like a good point guard should.

He got others involved and took over when needed, scoring 30 points to go with nine assists and only one turnover in 39 strong minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns got aggressive after his Game 2 no-show, producing 31 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, and OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges combined for 42 points and six 3-pointers on the wing. It was the first time since 1972 the Knicks had four players score 20 points or more in a playoff game, according to MSG.The four players to accomplish the feat were Hall of Famers Clyde Frazier, Jerry Lucas, Bill Bradley and Dave DeBusschere. Anunoby contained Cade Cunningham after his explosive Game 2 effort, holding the young star to 24 points on 25 shots.

The Knicks were much better on the glass after getting crushed on Monday, out-rebounded by four. Brunson was at his best when the game was up for grabs.The Pistons had cut an 11-point fourth quarter lead to three when he scored on consecutive drives to push the difference to seven with 59.0 seconds left.Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.The Pistons made it a game in the final seconds, and had the ball down two with 0.5 seconds left, but had ...