NBA Admits Mistake in Pistons-Knicks Game 5 Matchup

The New York Knicks nearly lost their star center prematurely against the Detroit Pistons in Game 5.

Jan 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and forward Tobias Harris (12) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

In the latest L2M report for the Game 5 matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks, the NBA admitted a mistake with roughly one minute left in the fourth quarter.

According to the report, Knicks big man Karl Anthony-Towns made “illegal contact” with Jalen Duren’s arm as the Pistons big man was putting up a shot. Since the contact affected Duren’s shot, it was an unsuccessful field goal attempt for the center, resulting in a Detroit turnover. It should've resulted in two shots for Duren, while causing Towns to foul out.

After the game, many felt that the no-call for Duren might’ve been a trade-off, as it looked like Duren might’ve committed a foul on Cameron Payne, as the Knicks guard was knocked over. However, the NBA confirmed that a no-call was the right call.

“Duren and Payne come together at the same spot on the floor, and although Payne loses his balance, it is not as a result of any illegal contact by Duren,” the NBA wrote.

NBA lists 1 incorrect call on Game 5 Last 2-Minute Report:

KAT makes contact with Jalen Duren's arm before this block

Should've been a foul, Duren 2 free throws

(It also would've gotten Josh Hart & Jalen Brunson in the game with a minute left instead of 27.4 seconds) pic.twitter.com/fwPsBM1YLD

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 30, 2025

Other than the no-call around the one-minute mark, the NBA noted that everything else was the right decision. This report was a breath of fresh air for Detroit after the controversial Game 4 sequence.

Prior to Tuesday’s action, the Pistons found themselves on the wrong end of a critical no-call on their home court. As Tim Hardaway Jr. launched a corner three at the buzzer, he was met with contact from Josh Hart. The NBA Officials didn’t whistle for a foul, which resulted in the Pistons ending the game trailing by one point. They fell to 1-3 instead of tying up the series before going back to Madison Square Garden.

After the Pistons defeated the Knicks 106-103 on Tuesday, they created a Game 6 scenario scheduled for Thursday night. If Detroit wins, Game 7 will take place on Saturday. If the Knicks close out the series, they’ll get a few days to prepare for the Boston Celtics.