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Knicks put their resiliency, toughness on full display in massive Game 3 road win over Pistons

The Knicks have been a resilient group all season. 

They’ve bounced back from tough losses time and time again, and have been one of the best road teams in basketball -- both of those were on display during Thursday night’s Game 3 win over the Pistons.

It seemed as if Detroit had captured all of the momentum in the series. 

They had just pulled off a massive Game 2 victory at Madison Square Garden and were set to play the next two games in front of a rocking hometown crowd for the first time in six years -- but the Knicks had other plans.

It was a complete team effort from beginning to end, but none was more notable than the bounceback showing from Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with a game-high 31 points after putting up just 10 in Game 2. 

Towns used his size and toughness to dominate the undersized Tobias Harris all night. 

“He bounced back well,” Tom Thibodeau said. “He was unfazed and he’s been around. He has a lot of confidence in his game, he can score in a lot of different ways. I thought he used his versatility to his strength and moved well without the ball.”

OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges were also tremendous defensively -- limiting Pistons All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham to just 24 points and 11 assists after he took over in a dominant Game 2 showing.

They also made some clutch buckets -- finishing with 22 and 20 points, respectively.

"Cade's a great player, he puts a lot of pressure on you," Thibodeau said. "The thing I like about OG and Mikal is that they stick with it, and you have to -- you have to have a determination."

And as has been the case all season long, it was the captain, Jalen Brunson, who stepped up and put the team square on his back when they needed it the most -- despite being heckled profusely all night long.  

Brunson was held in check for the most part over the first three quarters -- but the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year took things over in a close game, dropping 12 of his 30 points to help seal the deal down the stretch. 

“It took a lot of focus, mental toughness and just us sticking together,” Brunson said. 

"We’ve been that team all year,” Josh Hart added. "Now the tough part is how do you add up the wins. We have to make sure we come in Sunday with the early start ready to play, get off to a good start like we did today and just execute."

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Jimmy Butler reportedly diagnosed with 'deep glute muscle contusion,' in question to play in Game 3

With Jimmy Butler back in the locker room for most of Game 2, the Golden State offense struggled in the face of an athletic and aggressive Houston defense.

The Warriors may need to find a way to win a game without Butler if they are going to win this series.

Butler suffered a "a deep glute muscle contusion and his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy," according to a report from Shams Charania of ESPN, largely confirmed by Chris Haynes. The important news is that there is no structural damage. Butler is officially listed as day-to-day, and considering his history and the fact that it's the playoffs, his playing would not be a shock. If he does play, he could be limited.

Butler was injured in the first quarter of Game 2 when Amen Thompson missed a shot, Jimmy Butler went up for the rebound, Thompson tried to push through to get the offensive rebound, got tangled up with Steven Adams, fell forward and took out Butler's legs (Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game it was not a malicious act, just unlucky).

If Butler is out it hurts the Warriors on both ends of the floor. He was a key part of a Golden State defense that was the best in the league after the All-Star break, and he is also the best secondary shot creator on the team, taking some of the offensive load — and defensive attention — off Curry. With him out, Kerr went deep into his bench in Game 2, trying to find a spark somewhere. None came.

The Warriors can win at home without Butler, but against a young and hungry Rockets team, it would take not only a monster night from Curry, but someone else to step up as well.

Or, maybe Butler plays.

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Tom Thibodeau: Clock malfunction at end of Knicks’ Game 3 win over Pistons ‘should never happen in a playoff game’

The Knicks were able to pull out a massive 118-116 win over the Pistons on Thursday night, regaining a 2-1 advantage in their first-round series. 

New York made some clutch baskets down the stretch -- but it wasn’t without some high-stress moments. 

With the Knicks leading by one and just seconds remaining on the clock, Jalen Brunson was fouled on an inbounds pass -- sending him to the line for a pair of free throws as he looked to put the game on ice. 

Brunson knocked down the first shot with ease to make it a two-point ballgame, and then intentionally missed the second since there was not enough time remaining for the Pistons to get up a reasonable shot -- but that’s where things went a little haywire. 

After the time clock operator started the clock too early, refs stopped play and after a review, they awarded the ball to the Pistons with just 0.5 seconds remaining in regulation. 

While it still would’ve taken a miracle, things could’ve gone a bit south for the Knicks -- but Detroit big man Jalen Duren turned over the inbounds pass and New York regained possession to close out the victory. 

No harm, no foul, but Tom Thibodeau did not agree with the call.  

“They said that’s what’s in the rules,” the head coach said. “It doesn’t seem right to me, it’s unfortunate -- that should never happen ever in a playoff game. Never happen.”

Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns joked that’s the benefit of homecourt advantage. 

“We're in Detroit, what do you expect?” Hart said. 

“I ain’t gonna lie, shoutout to the table,” Towns joked. “Giving your team another chance like that is fire -- I gotta give them a lot of respect for that. I ain’t never seen something like that in 10 years of playing in the NBA.”

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Karl-Anthony Towns scores 31, Jalen Brunson 30, Knicks hang on to take Game 3 in Detroit

NBA: Playoffs-New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons

Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates a three point basket in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

This was the Karl-Anthony Towns the Knicks have been waiting for this postseason. The one getting deeper post position to receive the ball and taking advantage of it. When he got the ball further out on the floor, he was in motion downhill to the rim.

"He bounced back," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said, via the Associated Press, referencing KAT's rough Game 2. "He can score a lot of different ways and he used his versatility to his strength."

This was the Clutch Player of the Year Jalen Brunson, scoring 12 of his 30 in the fourth quarter, making sure the Knicks didn't blow their double-digit fourth quarter lead and hang on for the win.

The result was New York going into Detroit and taking back home-court advantage with a 116-113 win. The Knicks now have a 2-1 series lead.

"I thought the way we started the game was much better," Thibodeau said. "And, we made timely plays down the stretch."

Give the Pistons credit, a young team with limited playoff experience, they are not backing down — the Knicks would make a run, Detroit would answer.

The Pistons' bench was their real key — it outscored the Knicks' bench 40-9. Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. each had 24 points to lead Detroit, but Cunningham added 11 assists. Dennis Schroder had 18 off the bench for the Pistons.

But as they have all season, Thibodeau and the Knicks leaned heavily into their starters, with four of them — Brunson, KAT, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges scoring at least 20.

New York is back in front in this series, but Detroit is not about to roll over. This series could go on for a while.

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Jalen Brunson delivers in the clutch, Knicks hang on for 118-116 Game 3 win over Pistons

The Knicks bounced back to regain a 2-1 series advantage over the Detroit Pistons with a 118-116 win in Game 3 of their first round matchup on Thursday night.

Here are the key takeaways...

- The Knicks were one of the best road teams in the league during the regular season and they continued that in their first postseason matchup away from Madison Square Garden -- playing spoiler in the first playoff game in Detroit in six years.

- The intensity in this series has been through the roof and that didn't change as things shifted to Detroit. The chippiness started from the opening tip as Jalen Brunson was assessed a Flagrant 1 just minutes into the game after poking Tim Hardaway Jr. in the eye attempting to block a three.

Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Paul Reed received technicals for a skirmish later in the quarter.

- As far as the early action, the Knicks were able to accomplish their goal of getting off to a hot start. New York was sharing the ball and finding the open man -- knocking down eight of their first 11 shots while dishing nine assists in the opening quarter after finishing with a season-low in that department in Game 2.

- The Knicks also accomplished one of their other big goals -- getting Towns more involved early after he was limited to just 10 points in Game 2. The big man was locked in and ready to roll, knocking down three threes to help him top that point total in just the first eight minutes of the game (11).

- Cam Payne questionably played just four minutes during Game 2, but he also saw a bigger role in this one and provided a spark on both ends right away. With Brunson receiving a breather early in the second, the reserve guard came off the bench and helped keep the Knicks in front.

- The Pistons came surging right back, though, knocking down three after three to take their first lead of the game. The former Knick Hardaway Jr. made his first five attempts from behind the arc after going scoreless in Game 2 and Dennis Schroder provided a spark off the bench, drilling three of his own.

But a well-timed Tom Thibodeau timeout helped the Knicks survive the surge and they used a 23-6 run over the final five minutes to carry their largest lead of the half into the break (13). New York finished a terrific first two quarters with as many assists as they had in Game 2 and they held Detroit to eight points in the paint.

- As was the case in Game 1, the third quarter of doom haunted the Knicks. The Pistons came out of the locker room with a force and began attacking the heart of the Knicks defense -- using a massive 20-9 run of their own to cut things back down to a one possession game.

The Knicks threw their counterpunch and were able to get the lead back up 10 heading into the fourth.

- New York had plenty of opportunities to put this one away for good, but once again the Pistons came storming right back. Tobias Harris was held scoreless over the first three quarters, but his lay-in with just over four an a half minutes remaining again made it a three-point ballgame.

- But as had been the case all season long, Brunson put the Knicks on his back when they needed it the most. The NBA's Clutch Player of the Year had a relatively quiet first three quarters, but delivered 12 of his 30 points to help seal the deal down the stretch.

- It wasn't just Brunson who delivered for the Knicks offensively, as they had four different players top the 20-point mark in a playoff game for the first time since 1972 (KAT 31, Brunson 30, OG Anunoby 22, Mikal Bridges 20). While Josh Hart wasn't quite there offensively, he still finished with nine assists and 11 rebounds.

- New York did a good job of limiting Cade Cunningham for the most part after his monster Game 2 showing -- holding him to just 24 points on 10-of-25 shooting. He did have 10 assists and seven rebounds but wasn't nearly the force he was in the previous meeting.

- In NBA history, teams that have won Game 3 have gone on to win the series 74.2 percent of the time.

Game MVP: Jalen Brunson

Captain Clutch delivered for the Knicks down the stretch, once again.

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks remain in Detroit for Game 4 against the Pistons on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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Cavaliers' Evan Mobley wins Defensive Player of the Year

From the opening tip of the season, Evan Mobley was the best defender on a Cavaliers team that had the eighth-best defense in the league — and a 108.6 defensive rating when he was on the court that would have been second in the League. Mobley is a valued rim protector who can switch out on (or just be assigned to) perimeter players, closing them down.

That play and that consistency earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, as voted on by members of the media.

What won Mobley the award was both the quality of his play and the consistency — he was good all season. Mobley had the counting stats — 1.6 blocks per game (sixth in the league) and 7 rebounds (13th) — but it was the eye test that won a lot of voters over. Using the league's tracking stats, Mobley contested 10.4 shots per game, the third most among players who played at least 58 games.

DPOY was a wide-open race (once Victor Wembanyama was out for the season) and that is reflected in seven players getting first-place votes for the award.

Mobley had 35 first-place votes (and 30 for second place), edging out Atlanta's Dyson Daniels (25 first-place votes) and Golden State's Draymond Green (15). The Thunder's Lu Dort and the Rockets' Amen Thompson finished fourth and fifth in the voting.

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Fordham basketball hit with NCAA sanctions for improper benefits to recruits

Fordham men's basketball must vacate wins across two seasons and former coach Keith Urgo was hit with a two-year show cause under NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations. The program also was fined $35,000 plus 2% of the men's basketball budget. Former director of basketball operations Trevonn Morton was hit with a three-year show cause for misleading NCAA investigators and former athletic director Edward Kull was hit with a one-year show cause.

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Warriors provide update on Butler's injury, Game 3 status

Warriors provide update on Butler's injury, Game 3 status originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler avoided a major injury, but his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is up in the air.

An MRI confirmed Butler sustained a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion, the Warriors shared Friday, and his status for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is questionable.

This comes after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday night, citing a league source, that Butler sustained a deep glute muscle contusion and his availability for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is in “serious jeopardy.” Charania reported that Butler’s MRI revealed no pelvic fractures or structural damage.

Before the updates about Butler’s status, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Tristi Rodriguez spoke to Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Marc Safran, M.D., about when the 35-year-old might be able to return to the court.

“Totally a guess because we don’t know the degree of damage, but my guess is, if it’s nothing structural, if you will, it’s just inflammation, it’s really going to be about managing the pain and what he can play through and being able to play effectively through,” Dr. Safran said. “He’s a motivated guy that wants to get out and play, and so he’ll come back as soon as it’s absolutely possible without trying to put himself at greater risk.

“So, fortunately, again, if it’s not structural, which the MRI will tell us, then it’s just really more a function of being able to manage the inflammation, manage the pain to be able to get him out there.

“So, is the next game completely out of the picture? No, it’s not. But most people, because of where this is, it can take a week to two or three to actually get back. But I think they’re going to do obviously everything in their power to reduce inflammation, get him back to doing what he wants to get out and do.”

Butler sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Rockets and was ruled out midway through the second quarter with a pelvis contusion.

Though it seems Butler will miss Saturday’s pivotal swing game, his agent, Bernie Lee, texted ESPN’s Marc J. Spears with a cryptic message.

“There is some hope, though,” Spears shared Thursday on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “Bernie Lee, Jimmy Butler’s agent, texted me saying, ‘Pray for the bear.’ That tells me that’s some optimism for Jimmy.”

If Butler misses Saturday’s game, the Warriors have to hope that it’s a one-game absence and he’s able to return for Monday’s Game 4.

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Jimmy Butler's Game 3 vs. Rockets status in ‘serious jeopardy,' per report

Jimmy Butler's Game 3 vs. Rockets status in ‘serious jeopardy,' per report originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler avoided a major injury, but his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in question.

Butler sustained a deep glute muscle contusion and his availability for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is in “serious jeopardy,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday night, citing league sources.

Charania reported that Butler’s MRI revealed no pelvic fractures or structural damage.

Before Charania reported about Butler’s status, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Tristi Rodriguez spoke to Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Marc Safran, M.D., about when the 35-year-old might be able to return to the court.

“Totally a guess because we don’t know the degree of damage, but my guess is, if it’s nothing structural, if you will, it’s just inflammation, it’s really going to be about managing the pain and what he can play through and being able to play effectively through,” Dr. Safran said. “He’s a motivated guy that wants to get out and play, and so he’ll come back as soon as it’s absolutely possible without trying to put himself at greater risk.

“So, fortunately, again, if it’s not structural, which the MRI will tell us, then it’s just really more a function of being able to manage the inflammation, manage the pain to be able to get him out there.

“So, is the next game completely out of the picture? No, it’s not. But most people, because of where this is, it can take a week to two or three to actually get back. But I think they’re going to do obviously everything in their power to reduce inflammation, get him back to doing what he wants to get out and do.”

Butler sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Rockets and was ruled out midway through the second quarter with a pelvis contusion.

Though it seems Butler will miss Saturday’s pivotal swing game, his agent, Bernie Lee, texted ESPN’s Marc J. Spears with a cryptic message.

“There is some hope, though,” Spears shared Thursday on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “Bernie Lee, Jimmy Butler’s agent, texted me saying, ‘Pray for the bear.’ That tells me that’s some optimism for Jimmy.”

If Butler misses Saturday’s game, the Warriors have to hope that it’s a one-game absence and he’s able to return for Monday’s Game 4.

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NBA great Jason Kidd joins ownership group of Premier League soccer club Everton

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DALLAS, TX - MARCH 31: Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 31, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

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NBA great Jason Kidd has entered the soccer world by joining the ownership group of English Premier League club Everton.

The Hall of Fame point guard and current Dallas Mavericks coach said he was “honored” to join Roundhouse Capital Holdings, which is part of the Friedkin Group that took control of Everton last year. The group also owns Italian team Roma.

In a statement released Thursday by Everton, executive chairman Marc Watts said Kidd’s “knowledge and winning mentality will be an incredible resource” for a nine-time English champion which is without a major trophy since 1995 and has been battling relegation in recent years.

Kidd “is a respected leader and household name for many sports fans,” Watts said, “and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future for this storied club.”

Kidd won an NBA title as a player with the Mavericks in 2011 and was a two-time Olympic gold-medal winner with the U.S. national team, in 2000 and 2008. He took the Mavs to the NBA Finals as coach last year and has had previous spells in charge of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.

Everton recently secured its status in the Premier League for another year and is moving to a new state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of next season.

“I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment,” Kidd said in Everton’s statement. “With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”

Everton has been an ever-present in England’s top soccer league since 1954.

The 52-year-old Kidd becomes the latest high-profile figure from American sports to get involved in English soccer.

In 2023, NFL great Tom Brady became a minority owner of Birmingham and chairman of its advisory board.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James bought a small stake in Liverpool in 2011 and PGA Tour golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are investors in 49ers Enterprises, which owns Leeds.

On Wednesday, Everton announced that Christopher Sarofim, chairman of global investment firm Fayez Sarofim & Co, had joined the ownership group in a move that “will further strengthen the club’s financial base.”

Everton said Sarofim will be a board observer at the club.

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Cavaliers' Evan Mobley wins 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year

Cavaliers' Evan Mobley wins 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Evan Mobley has added to his stellar 2024-25 campaign.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star on Thursday was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, his first win in the category.

Mobley beat out Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green and Atlanta Hawks wing Dyson Daniels.

The No. 3 overall pick by Cleveland in 2021, Mobley put up averages of 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals across 71 games, helping anchor Cleveland on both sides of the ball as the team surged to the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed at 64-18.

Mobley, a San Diego native and USC product, also earned his first All-Star nod this season due to his efforts. He was previously named to the All-Defensive First Team in 2023, with another nod presumably looming.

The 6-foot-11 big man is also set to see a significant pay raise due to his win. After signing a rookie extension last July worth $224 million, language in his contract detailed that the sum would increase to $269 million should he win the award.

Fellow Cleveland star teammates Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland were among the players congratulating Mobley for the achievement.

Mobley was also a top-three finalist for the award in 2023. Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert won the award last season, the fourth of his career.

San Antonio Spurs sophomore phenom Victor Wembanyama was widely seen as the favorite to claim the award this year after a second-place rookie finish, but a season-ending blood clot diagnosis in February saw him get shut down.

Green, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year winner in 2017, was another top candidate after playing a key role in Golden State’s resurgence toward the back half of the season. Daniels, the No. 8 pick in 2022, has yet to win a major award but was named the steals leader for this season.

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Knicks, Sixers will play preseason games in Abu Dhabi next October

The NBA is set to return to the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Games 2025 this October.

Specifically, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are headed over there for a pair of preseason games, the league announced on Thursday.

The NBA is sending some of its biggest stars to the Middle East with this pairing: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Those stars will play in games broadcast live in the UAE and to more than 200 countries around the globe.

This will be the fourth consecutive year the league has held a preseason game in Abu Dhabi, last season, the Celtics and Nuggets played two games. This matchup is not the only overseas NBA preseason game, the Nets and Suns will be playing in Macao, China, on Oct. 10 and 12.

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Kings GM Perry ready to conquer ‘unfinished business' in Sacramento

Kings GM Perry ready to conquer ‘unfinished business' in Sacramento originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

New Kings general manager Scott Perry and Sacramento, although brief, have a history. 

Back in 2017, Perry was the Kings’ president of basketball operations for three months before taking the New York Knicks GM role.

As a result of such a short tenure, Perry left behind plenty of unfinished business in Sacramento. 

In his return almost a decade later, the 61-year-old, in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan, detailed what motivates him about being back in Sacramento.

“I felt like there was a lot of unfinished business for me, personally, quite frankly,” Perry told Ragan. “Because when I was here eight years ago, I felt we got off to a great start. 

“So now, it’s a blessing to have this opportunity to come back, and I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and make something happen.” 

Perry, who highlighted his relationship with Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, was hired as Sacramento’s general manager less than a week after the franchise mutually agreed to part ways with Monte McNair. 

Perry inherits a Kings team coming off a rollercoaster 2024-25 NBA season that ended in disappointing fashion after a 120-106 NBA play-in tournament loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

There is plenty of work cut out.

“First and foremost, we need to establish an identity of what it means to be a Sacramento King,” Perry added. “So when teams play us, you got to know what you’re facing. That is order No. 1. 

“ … It’s got to be based on toughness, a defensive mindset, a sharing-of-the-ball mindset, a lot of accountability, discipline, hard work.” 

For Perry, there is unfinished business to settle as he returns to a franchise that needs all the help it can get.

“Those got to be all of the components and variables of what it means to be a Sacramento Kings player and a part of the Sacramento Kings team,” Perry continued. “So, that needs to be reflected on a daily basis, even when the fans aren’t watching.

“But when we get on that court, win, lose or draw, we want that to shine through.”

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Reports: John Calipari in contact with Kentucky transfer

Arkansas head coach John Calipari has been in contact with Kentucky transfer guard Travis Perry, according to multiple reports. Perry, a former four-star guard in the class of 2024 according to Rivals, entered the transfer portal shortly before it closed on Tuesday. Reports said in addition to Arkansas, Perry has heard from schools like Ole Miss, Tennessee, Louisville, Missouri, LSU and others.