The New York Knicks turned a tight playoff fight into a comfortable road win on Friday, pulling away after halftime to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Philadelphia. Jalen Brunson ran the show with 33 points and nine assists as New York’s defense and depth shoved the Sixers into a 3-0 series hole.
Brunson went 11-for-22 from the field and 8-for-9 at the line, while Mikal Bridges poured in 23 points and reserve guard Landry Shamet added 15 off the bench, according to the game box score. The Knicks also controlled the glass and got efficient minutes from a wave of role players who helped stretch the margin after halftime, per StatMuse.
Second Half Surge and Robinson's Rim Presence
After the break, New York stopped settling and started pounding the paint, finishing aggressively at the rim and turning drives into free throws. An alley-oop from Brunson to Mitchell Robinson in the second quarter was one of the early sparks that flipped momentum, and the Knicks then tightened the screws defensively in the third quarter to build a bigger cushion. The play-by-play for the game tracks that sequence and the run that followed. As the box score shows, Robinson was active on the boards and around the rim, helping blunt Philadelphia’s counters and keeping the Sixers from cashing in on second-chance looks, per NBA.com.
Matchups, Rotations and Missing Pieces
New York’s game plan leaned on switching and matchup tweaks, with Mikal Bridges often picking up Paul George while Miles McBride spent stretches hounding Tyrese Maxey. Those looks disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm and forced George into tougher attempts after a hot opening burst. George scored 15 points early but was largely held in check the rest of the way, according to the box score, and the Knicks’ bench outproduced Philadelphia’s reserves by a wide margin.
The Knicks did all of it without OG Anunoby, who missed Game 3 with a right hamstring strain, a key absence that reshaped minutes and defensive assignments heading into the night, per reporting from the New York Post and team injury updates. New York Post has the full box scores and minute splits.
What’s Next
New York now heads into Sunday’s Game 4 in Philadelphia with a commanding 3-0 lead and a chance to close out the series quickly. The teams meet again Sunday in Philly, with the matchup slotted across standard TV guides and listings. If the Knicks finish the job, the Sixers’ postseason will end abruptly and Tom Thibodeau’s crew will pivot straight into prep for the Eastern Conference final. For exact start times and broadcast details, check the playoff schedule via Tom's Guide.
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