A tense Game 3 between the Knicks and Pistons nearly erupted over a controversial late-game moment involving Jalen Brunson. With just five seconds remaining, Brunson appeared to commit a backcourt violation—but the referees let play continue. After the game, Crew Chief Zach Zarba explained the decision with a reference to the NBA rulebook. The Knicks went on to win 118–116 and take a 2–1 lead in the series.
With just five seconds left in regulation, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons teetered on the edge of controversy.
Jalen Brunson, attempting to secure an inbound pass while protecting a three-point lead, appeared to cross the midcourt line into the backcourt—a move that immediately drew the ire of Pistons fans and players. But no whistle was blown. The Knicks kept possession, hit a key free throw, and ultimately escaped Little Caesars Arena with a gritty 118–116 win to take a 2–1 series lead.
The debate exploded online and in the arena—but after the game, clarity came in the form of a pool report from Omani Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. In it, Crew Chief Zach Zarba addressed the incident and cited the NBA rulebook directly.
“The front court-back court status is not obtained until a player with the ball has established a positive position in either half,” Zarba explained. “During the throw-in in the last two minutes of the fourth period and the last two minutes in any overtime period… Brunson and the trajectory of the pass were headed towards the backcourt. His momentum was taking him there when he touches the ball. Due to that momentum, he’s not considered in a positive position at that time. That’s why that play is legal.”
The explanation aligned with the initial broadcast, which noted that Brunson’s momentum had not allowed him to establish clear possession in the frontcourt before stepping back.
Still, that didn’t do much to ease the frustration among Detroit supporters—or opposing coaches.
When reporters referenced the league’s interpretation to J.B. Bickerstaff during his postgame press conference, the Cavaliers head coach showed little patience for the rulebook logic, clearly unhappy with the consistency of such calls in playoff environments.
Though the ending was filled with chaos—complete with a clock malfunction and a final Detroit turnover—the Knicks’ poise down the stretch, led by Brunson and a resurgent Karl-Anthony Towns, proved to be the difference.
New York now turns its attention to Game 4 on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with momentum—and perhaps a little luck—on its side.