Detroit Piston was in a major position to tie the series in two sports on Sunday afternoon.
Jalen Brunson went down with injury for the second time in the series. And like the first time, when he came back, he was no less than miraculous.
A bridge-up jump shot by Tim Hardway Junior gave the piston to go with 93–89 with 1:52, but proved that Piston would get the final points.
Detroit Piston Forward Tim Hardway Junior (8) argues with a game officer during his game against Denver Nagets in the second quarter at Little Caesar Arena. Compulsory Credit: Loan Horvedale-Imagon ImageSitrit and Colon; Loan Horvedale-Imagon Image
JB BICKERSTAFF calls officers
Carl-Antony Town made a big step for Nix in the last two minutes. With 1:29, a jumper cuts the lead of the remaining date.
Cad Cunningham missed a 15-foot jumper, which turned into three-plants of a city at the other end, which put the nix up with 47 seconds left.
On the upcoming possession, Cunningham left Rim, but Josh Hart was able to join hands on the ball to shut it down from Cunningham.
Bronsson survived the piston despite catching the ball leading to the basket with a shot clock.
After a timeout by JB Bicostaff, Piston gave the ball to Cunningham, which missed the bridge-up. After knocking around the ball on the floor, Hardway Junior got the ball in the corner.
As soon as he took the shot, Hart appeared that Hart competed with his shooting side arm on the closeout, but no one was dishonest after the time was over.
Bickerstaf was visually concerned and did not return once in front of the media.
"Cad got his shot. He reached his place, I am confident to take 100 shots in a row on CAD," Bickserstaf said. "Tim Hardway had contact on the jump shot. I know no way around it. There was contact on his jump shot. He left his legs."
Bicrestaff was asked why it is so difficult to finish in the playoffs and if things are said differently.
"They let you play more physical, well some people get to play more physical, well," Bickerstaf said. "I think these few games are difficult for me to believe that CAD only reaches free throw line 4X. I think sometimes he referees differently that he is a big guard."
JB: "They let you play more physical plays, well some people get to play more physical. I think these few games are difficult for me to believe that CAD only reaches free throw line 4X. I think he is sometimes a different referee, he is a big guard" pic.twitter.com/2P7QLLVGHO
– Hey no he did not do (@ohnoHedident24) 27 April, 2025
This is a sting for piston fans, especially after the controversial backcort no-call in Game 3.
Now, Piston will have to win the next three games to proceed in the second round. Game 5 is at 7:30 pm at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.