Tensions ran high in Detroit as the Knicks edged the Pistons 118–116 in a thrilling Game 3 win. While Jalen Brunson once again delivered in the clutch, his father—Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson—found himself in a heated exchange with Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. The sideline spat underscored the rising intensity in a series that’s getting more personal by the game.
The Eastern Conference first-round series between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons is heating up—on the court and on the sidelines.
Thursday night’s 118–116 Knicks victory was a pivotal moment in the series, swinging momentum back to New York and giving the third-seeded squad a 2–1 lead. But while Jalen Brunson earned praise for yet another clutch performance, it was his father, Rick Brunson, who sparked a sideline subplot that added even more fuel to the fire.
During the second half of the game at Little Caesars Arena, cameras caught Rick Brunson, the Knicks’ assistant coach and a former NBA veteran, in a heated exchange with Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. Words were clearly shared, and the confrontation—while brief—visibly reflected the growing tension between both teams.
Though details of what was said haven’t been officially confirmed, the exchange was enough to draw the attention of both fanbases and social media, and speaks volumes about the emotional temperature of this series.
The Brunson family didn’t just bring fire to the sideline—Jalen Brunson backed it up on the floor, continuing his postseason brilliance. The two-time All-Star and reigning Clutch Player of the Year finished with 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, sealing the game in the final minutes with cool execution under pressure.
After a frustrating Game 2 loss at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks responded with purpose. Karl-Anthony Towns led all scorers with 31, Mikal Bridges added 20, and New York controlled the pace for much of the night—despite several comeback pushes by the Pistons.
But it was the side drama—Brunson jawing with Pistons stars—that served as a reminder of how deeply competitive this series has become. It’s no longer just about tactics and matchups. Pride is now part of the equation.
With Game 4 set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, one thing is clear: this battle is far from over—and the emotions are just getting started.