Last night’s NBA action delivered high drama and unforgettable moments. For fans searching for NBA scores yesterday, the headline matchup between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons stood out in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks survived a furious Pistons rally to notch a 118-116 victory, taking a critical 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Knicks Overcome Pistons in Highly Contested Game

Game 3 in Detroit featured intense competition and heated moments right from tip-off. The Knicks, led by Karl-Anthony Towns with 31 points and Jalen Brunson's dynamic performance, built a halftime advantage by capitalizing on a relentless second-quarter run. Four Knicks starters scored 20 or more points, displaying balanced firepower on the road.

Detroit, however, refused to back down. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cade Cunningham each poured in 24 points, with the Pistons rallying in the second half to bring the game within reach several times. The crowd at Little Caesars Arena fueled the home team’s energy, making for an electric playoff atmosphere.

Controversial Officiating and Dramatic Finish

The night will be remembered as much for its wild conclusion as for the result. In the final seconds, fans and players voiced anger over a pair of officiating decisions. Pistons supporters were livid when a backcourt violation wasn’t called against the Knicks' Jalen Brunson, a moment that prompted fiery debate and confusion. Following an intentional missed free throw with half a second left, Detroit got an unexpected last chance after the clock started early, but they failed to convert, handing the Knicks the win. For a detailed breakdown of the closing chaos and reactions from coaches and players, read ESPN’s in-depth recap here.

Physical Play and Intense Crowd Atmosphere

Physicality was at a premium, as both teams traded hard fouls and five technicals, reflecting the rivalry’s fiery edge. A first-quarter flagrant foul on Jalen Brunson, who poked Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr. in the eye, intensified the crowd’s animosity. Detroit fans responded with relentless, often profane chants aimed at Brunson, but the Knicks guard was undeterred, putting up 30 points along with seven rebounds and nine assists. If you want to read about Brunson’s incident and the crowd's reaction, check out this Yahoo Sports piece.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau downplayed the intensity of the chants, remarking that "Brunson lives for that stuff." The playoff energy inside Little Caesars Arena was off the charts, mirroring the significance of the occasion: Detroit’s first home playoff game in over six years. For more on the crowd’s role and Thibodeau’s response, visit Sports Illustrated’s game coverage.

What the Game Means Moving Forward

With the NBA scores yesterday leaving the Knicks ahead in the series, both teams are preparing for another high-stakes clash in Detroit. The Pistons will look to regroup and even the series, while the Knicks aim to capitalize on their momentum. Expect more fireworks as these rivals collide again on Sunday.

Stay Tuned for More NBA Playoff Drama

For basketball fans tracking NBA scores yesterday, this postseason continues to exceed expectations, providing edge-of-your-seat action and memorable moments. Be sure to follow the series as it unfolds, and revisit trusted sports sites for deeper analysis and up-to-date coverage.