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Jalen Brunson delivered in the closing moments as the New York Knicks secured a hard-fought 108-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final playoff series.
In a tense contest at Madison Square Garden that featured 25 lead changes, the most in an NBA playoff game in 13 years, the Knicks survived a determined challenge from a depleted Philadelphia side missing injured star Joel Embiid.
The Sixers entered the game as underdogs after suffering a heavy defeat in game one, and their task became even more difficult when Embiid was ruled out just hours before tip-off with right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain. Despite his absence, Philadelphia responded with greater intensity and nearly stole a crucial road win.
Tyrese Maxey carried much of the offensive load for the Sixers, producing 15 points in the second quarter alone and finishing with 26 points. Veteran forward Paul George also impressed from long range, knocking down five three-pointers to keep Philadelphia within touching distance throughout the game.
The Sixers started brightly and opened a seven-point lead early in the first quarter, which proved to be the biggest advantage either side held all night. Philadelphia took a narrow one-point lead into halftime after matching New York’s physicality and defensive pressure.
However, the Knicks responded strongly after the break. Karl-Anthony Towns produced a dominant all-round display with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while OG Anunoby added 24 points after shooting efficiently from the field.
Brunson then took control in the closing minutes with the game tied at 99-99. The Knicks guard scored eight points in the fourth quarter, including two decisive field goals that gave New York its first meaningful cushion of the night. Mikal Bridges followed with a step-back jumper during a 9-0 Knicks run that ultimately sealed the game.
Brunson finished with 26 points, tying Maxey as the game’s leading scorer.
“It’s a playoff basketball game. The game was ugly offensively,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown after the win. “You give the Sixers a lot of credit. We knew that they were going to come out, they were gonna be physical.”
Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse praised his team’s defensive effort but admitted their shooting deserted them late in the contest.
“We played good enough defense to win that game, especially in the fourth,” Nurse said. “We played great offense. We just didn’t shot-make.”
The defeat leaves the Sixers facing mounting pressure as the series shifts to Philadelphia for game three on Friday. Much of the focus will remain on Embiid’s fitness after the reigning 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player missed a contest that Philadelphia nearly managed to steal without him.
Embiid had been instrumental in the Sixers’ previous playoff series win over the Boston Celtics, averaging 28 points as Philadelphia recovered from a 3-1 deficit. His absence was ultimately decisive as the Knicks capitalised late to protect home court and move within touching distance of the Eastern Conference finals.
