The New York Knicks turned a hyped second-round opener into a blowout Monday night, smashing the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson poured in 35 points as New York jumped out early and never gave Philadelphia a way back into Game 1, leaving the Sixers with a lot of questions and very little time before Game 2.
Brunson Takes Over at MSG
Brunson turned the series opener into a personal showcase, dropping 35 and controlling the floor from the opening tip in what felt like an extended shooting drill for New York. According to CBS Sports, Brunson went 12-for-18 from the field as the Knicks shot 63.1 percent overall and 51.4 percent from three. It was an offensive clinic that had the Garden buzzing long before the final horn.
Defense And Depth Put Philly Away
The Knicks did not just lean on Brunson. OG Anunoby added 18 points and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 17, with New York’s depth keeping the pressure on even as the starters sat comfortably in the fourth quarter. theScore noted that Brunson had already piled up 27 points by halftime, turning the contest into a rout before the Sixers could find any rhythm. That dominance came on the heels of a 140-89 Game 6 demolition of the Atlanta Hawks last week, a statement win that signaled New York was rolling into the second round with serious momentum, per The Boston Globe.
76ers' Quick Turnaround Wasn't Enough
Philadelphia arrived in New York fresh off a grueling, emotional high. The 76ers had just survived a dramatic Game 7 in Boston behind 34 points from Joel Embiid and 30 from Tyrese Maxey, according to AP News. The short turnaround showed in Game 1. Embiid was held to 14 points as the Sixers struggled to match New York’s pace and precision, and Philadelphia shot just 41.1 percent from the field, per CBS Sports.
What's Next
Game 2 is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET back at Madison Square Garden, with television coverage on ESPN, according to NBC Sports. Expect the Knicks to try to keep the tempo high at home while the 76ers scramble for adjustments during a very short reset between games.
