The New York Knicks secured a critical 118-116 victory in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, with coach Tom Thibodeau praising his team’s gritty performance in hostile territory.
“Yeah, I thought the way we started the game was much better. I thought our rebounding effort was better. It was a hard-fought game, and timely plays down the stretch made the difference,” Thibodeau said after the win, highlighting key contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby.
The Knicks came out firing on all cylinders, playing fast and aggressively, with Towns leading the charge early. The big man scored 11 of his 31 points in the first quarter, knocking down four three-pointers and dominating Detroit’s defense in the paint.
“We’ve been a good road team all year, so we understand what goes into winning,” Thibodeau reflected on the team’s approach to playing in Detroit’s hostile environment. Towns, often scrutinized for his performances in big moments, responded to the pressure with confidence, a mindset Thibodeau praised.
Brunson, recently named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, lived up to his title with a stellar second half. His 12 points in the final frame, including back-to-back layups, helped extend the Knicks’ lead, putting them in a strong position to fend off Detroit’s late surge. Despite a near comeback from the Pistons, New York’s timely plays proved decisive.
Thibodeau acknowledged the importance of his team’s defensive efforts, particularly in limiting Cade Cunningham, who finished with 24 points and 11 assists but struggled with shooting efficiency. “You have to have determination when defending someone like Cade, and the team did a great job staying in tune with our defensive principles,” Thibodeau said.
Towns’ versatility was another highlight, as he effectively adjusted his game depending on his defender, showcasing his ability to exploit mismatches. “He can score in so many different ways, and tonight he was terrific,” Thibodeau noted.
Despite Detroit’s attempts to capitalize on Knicks’ mistakes, including some chippy moments in the game, Thibodeau felt his team’s resilience and toughness were key. “You need toughness to fight off runs like that, and we made big shots when we needed them.”
As the Knicks head into Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead, Thibodeau emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and improving where necessary. “We’ve got to get ready for the next one,” he said, looking ahead to Sunday’s game in Detroit.
