PHILADELPHIA. The New York Knicks continue to dominate their Eastern Conference semifinal after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 and taking a commanding 3-0 series lead in the NBA playoffs. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks again with 33 points and was decisive in the fourth quarter to definitively shut down the home team's comeback attempt.
The victory marks the sixth consecutive win for the New York Knicks in this postseason and leaves Mike Brown's team just one victory away from reaching the Conference Finals again. Additionally, the Knicks managed to hold their ground in a hostile environment in Philadelphia, where thousands of New York fans made their presence felt in the stands at Wells Fargo Center.
The game started with better momentum for the Philadelphia 76ers, driven by the return of Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian center, absent in Game 2 due to right ankle and hip soreness, contributed 18 points and helped the Sixers dominate much of the first half.
Paul George also started hot and scored 15 points in the first quarter, while Kelly Oubre Jr. maintained Philadelphia's offensive pace to build a lead as large as 12 points.
However, the New York Knicks once again demonstrated why they are one of the most solid teams in these NBA playoffs. Jalen Brunson, despite starting the game poorly at 2-of-8 from the field, gradually found his rhythm and once again imposed his offensive hierarchy.
Mikal Bridges added 23 points and Josh Hart recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in another complete performance from the core of former Villanova players, who were the absolute protagonists of the outcome.
The Knicks also received an unexpected contribution from the bench. Landry Shamet, who had scored just 14 points in the entire postseason, exploded offensively with 15 points and a crucial three-pointer late in the third quarter that put the score at 85-76 and partially silenced the home crowd.
Philadelphia tried to stay alive in the final period. Quintin Grimes connected on his first two three-pointers of the game to cut the deficit to 88-84 and give the Sixers some hope.
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But that's when the Knicks' competitive experience showed up again. Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges strung together two consecutive baskets to extend the lead again and, shortly after, Jalen Brunson put the game away with a spectacular three-pointer from the top of the key that made it 95-86 in a decisive 9-0 run.
New York's defense also proved decisive in the final stretch. Paul George completely disappeared after his brilliant start and missed his remaining nine shots of the game. Additionally, neither he nor Tyrese Maxey attempted a single free throw all night, a reflection of Philadelphia's offensive struggles in the crucial moments.
Joel Embiid tried to lead the home comeback after his return, but the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves against the ropes in these NBA playoffs where they already had to overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Boston Celtics in the first round. Now, however, the situation seems even more complicated against a Knicks team that is rolling and far superior in closing out games.
The New York Knicks, meanwhile, continue to carefully manage OG Anunoby's physical condition. The small forward is out with right hamstring soreness and is considered day-to-day. The team's depth and collective momentum allow Mike Brown to avoid forcing the wing's return.
Game 4 will again be played in Philadelphia, where the Sixers will look to avoid a sweep and stay alive against a Madison Square Garden crowd that is already getting excited about a potential return to the Conference Finals.