In what could only be described as a dramatic reversal of fortune, the New York Knicks toppled the Philadelphia 76ers with a 104-101 victory in Game 2 of their playoff series, stunning fans and seizing a 2-0 series lead. As the final minute ticked away, it seemed the Sixers had the win in the bag, until the Knicks unleashed one of the most bewildering comebacks in recent playoff history. Despite trailing by five with less than 30 seconds on the clock, the Knicks clawed their way back to a win that left Madison Square Garden roaring.

The comeback was ignited by Jalen Brunson, who had suffered through a nightmarish shooting spree, finally sinking a three-pointer that brought the Knicks within two. Following Brunson's shot, Josh Hart seized the ball from Tyrese Maxey, resulting in a missed attempt by Donte DiVincenzo—but after Isaiah Hartenstein hustled for the rebound and OG Anunoby provided the assist, DiVincenzo converted a desperate three-pointer to take the lead 102-101. "It was crazy, it was hectic, but at that point we had nothing to lose," Hart told 6abc.com.

After spectacular defensive plays, including Hartenstein's critical block of Maxey's drive and Anunoby's two free throws that solidified the Knicks' lead, Philadelphia's last vestige of hope vanished as Joel Embiid's buzzer-beating three-pointer missed the mark. In a statement obtained by CBS News Philadelphia, Donte DiVincenzo said, "That's not a good feeling to lose that lead," reflecting on the ebbing of their eight-point lead, "The next day it’s going to sting a little bit more."

Brunson, despite connecting on just 8 of 29 from the field, finished with 24 points for the Knicks. The trio of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo, who all share Villanova roots, combined their efforts to help brush off an otherwise unremarkable performance. Hart, who told CBS News Philadelphia, ground his way to 21 points and 15 rebounds, played a pivotal role in the Knicks' relentless second-half hustle and kept the game within reach when it mattered most.

On the other side, Tyrese Maxey shone for Philadelphia, delivering 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds after battling illness earlier that day. Embiid also racked up 34 points and 10 rebounds, but their efforts were overshadowed by the late-game meltdown. "We’re going to win this series," Embiid said in an interview with 6abc.com, exuding confidence despite the crushing loss, "We know what we’ve got to fix and we did a better job today, so we’re going to fix it. But we’re the better team and we’re going to keep fighting."

As the series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3, the 76ers are now pressed with the challenge of overcoming their home-court disadvantage and rewriting the narrative of a series that has so far been dictated by the Knicks' resolve and a few fateful moments of New York magic. Hart, as Bleacher Report noted, was integral in keeping the Knicks in contention when Brunson faltered, and his combined second-half fire will be a factor that Philly must address if they hope to bounce back in this series.