Knicks regain identity in Game 3 win over Pistons

Earlier in the series, the Knicks played into the Pistons' hands by allowing the game to slow down. Towns attempted all of 11 shots, and none in the second half, of the Game 2 loss and seemed way too passive for a player of his caliber. 

In Thursday's Game 3, he was aggressive from the onset, attempting six shots in just the first quarter and 18 overall en route to a game-high 31 points.

"I got opportunities to do things on the offensive end," Towns said, via The Athletic's James L. Edwards III. "The defense ... we found a way in transition to get me some good looks, and I was able to capitalize on that and start the night off. Shoutout to Jalen (Brunson), Josh. They found me in the flow of the offense, and I was able to capitalize on those opportunities."

Another big turnaround for the Knicks came on the glass. In Game 2, they were bothered by the more physical Pistons, who out-rebounded them, 48-34. In Game 3, the Knicks were out-rebounded by three boards, but outscored the Pistons 46-36 in the paint. 

It now remains to be seen if the Pistons make the requisite adjustments to curb the Knicks' free-flowing offense and regain their advantage on the interior. Detroit can level up the series in Sunday's Game 4.