Knicks’ heroes, zeros of Game 4: Karl-Anthony Towns was key closer

Knicks’ heroes and zeros of their 94-93 Game 4 win over the Pistons on Sunday:

Hero

After Jalen Brunson helped claw the Knicks back into the game, Karl-Anthony Towns was their closer and hit three huge shots down the stretch, including two deep 3-pointers and a crazy fadeaway jumper. He finished with 27 points and nine rebounds.

Zero

Ausar Thompson could not contain Brunson on defense, and was benched most of the fourth quarter in place of Dennis Schröder, who played five more minutes than him. Thompson finished with eight points and four turnovers.

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns shoots and scores a 3-point shot over Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren #0, giving the Knicks a 94-93 lead in the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Unsung hero

Josh Hart was everywhere, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals. Notably, he also went 3-for-5 from 3-point range, making the Pistons pay for their series-long strategy leaving him open beyond the arc.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart celebrates with forward Mikal Bridges, and guard Jalen Brunson after the Knicks beat the Pistons. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Key stat

24.1 percent shooting on 3s from the Pistons, way worse than the Knicks’ 45.5 percent.

Quote of the day

“I was going back into the game. There really wasn’t a doubt, regardless of if I was stumbling or not.”

– Brunson on his right ankle injury, which temporarily sent him to the locker room late in the third quarter