The Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks played a close Game 3 at Little Caesars Arena, but it didn’t come without controversy.

With 5.1 seconds left and the Pistons down 116-113, Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson appeared to commit an over-and-back violation on an inbounds play, which would have given the Pistons possession. However, the call was not made, Brunson was eventually fouled, and he made one of two free throws to make it a two-possession game for the Knicks.

SHAWN WINDSOR: Detroit Pistons learn mettle tops momentum in Game 3 NBA playoffs loss to New York Knicks

After the game, the lead official, Zach Zarba, told the pool reporter (the Freep’s Omari Sankofa II) that officials ruled Brunson didn’t gain full possession until inside the backcourt, making the entry legal.

Pistons guard Cade Cunningham had another take on the non-call, telling reporters: “If you catch the ball in the frontcourt and you cross the line, thought that was backcourt. Maybe I’m wrong. Always has been in my life. … Those didn’t decide the game though, at all. … There were a lot of plays in the first quarter that dug us a hole.”

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The Pistons, with five of their nine rotation players making their playoff debuts, are quickly learning how intense a best-of-seven series is, and that came to a head against the New York Knicks on Thursday night in Game 3 of their first-round series at Little Caesars Arena.

Follow the Pistons in the NBA playoffs with the best coverage at freep.com/sports/pistons.

[ MUST WATCH: Make “The Pistons Pulse” your go-to Detroit Pistons podcast, listen available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify). ]

Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).