DETROIT — This is why you pay OG Anunoby and trade for Mikal Bridges — even if the cost of doing business is steep. Because when the Knicks need stops, they call on the wings.

The New York Knicks held off the Detroit Pistons, who nearly stole a win late in Game 3, to secure a 118-116 victory. The Knicks are now up 2-1 in the first-round series entering Game 4. And teams that go up 2-1 have won their series in 80.

In Game 2, the Detroit Pistons evened up the series, beating the New York Knicks 100-94. Cade Cunningham offered 33 points and 12 rebounds, and Jalen Burnham led all scorers with 37 points, although his teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns, came under scrutiny after the game.