By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A go-ahead three-pointer by Karl-Anthony Towns combined with the latest clutch display by Jalen Brunson as the New York Knicks edged out the Detroit Pistons, 94-93.
The 29-year-old Dominican big, navigating a large chunk of Game 4 with foul trouble, connected a three-pointer for the eighth and final lead change with 46.6 seconds remaining. Ensuing defensive stops, including a controversial no-call in the dying seconds, built a 3-1 lead for the team coached by Tom Thibodeau in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google.
The 28-year-old American combo guard went down with an apparent knee injury with 2:52 left in the third quarter of the NBA Sundays opener, but returned early in the fourth quarter and scored 13 out of his 32 points.
British O.G. Anunoby was held to 3/13 field goals, but logged eight points, three steals, and two rebounds over 39 minutes in a second straight game of a best-of-seven series in Little Caesars Arena. French Pacome Dadiet and German Ariel Hukporti did not play.
European participation on the losing end was limited to German reserve Dennis Schroder putting up six points, three steals, three rebounds, and two assists in just under 27 minutes. Italian Simone Fontecchio and Swedish Bobi Klintman did not leave the bench.
2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google
Conference Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
East
Cleveland Cavaliers – Miami Heat 3-0 (121-100, 121-112, 124-87)
Boston Celtics – Orlando Magic 2-1 (103-86, 109-100, 93-95)
New York Knicks – Detroit Pistons 3-1 (123-112, 94-100, 118-116, 94-93)
Indiana Pacers – Milwaukee Bucks 2-1 (117-98, 123-115, 101-117)
West
Oklahoma City Thunder – Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 (131-80, 118-99, 114-108, 117-115)
Houston Rockets – Golden State Warriors 1-2 (85-95, 109-94, 93-104)
Los Angeles Lakers – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-2 (95-117, 94-85, 104-116)
Denver Nuggets – Los Angeles Clippers 2-2 (112-110, 102-105, 83-117, 101-99)