The New York Knicks secured their spot in the NBA Eastern Conference finals with a commanding 144-114 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
With a remarkable display of three-point shooting, the Knicks achieved a playoff record of 25 three-pointers, solidifying a 4-0 sweep in their best-of-seven series.
This marks the Knicks' return to the conference finals for the second consecutive year, following a 24-season drought from deep playoff runs.
The Knicks started strong, matching a playoff record with 11 three-pointers in the first quarter, and they finished the first half with 18, tying another record.
Jalen Brunson, a key player for New York, emphasized taking things 'one game at a time' after their decisive win.
Miles McBride led the scoring with 25 points, hitting seven three-pointers, while Brunson added 22 points, including six from beyond the arc.
Despite missing OG Anunoby due to a hamstring injury, the Knicks showed depth with six players scoring in double figures.
The 76ers struggled against the Knicks’ offensive onslaught, even with Joel Embiid contributing 24 points while dealing with injuries.
Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse urged his team to remain positive, but the overwhelming support for the Knicks turned the arena into a challenging environment for the 76ers.
As the Knicks extended their lead to 44 points, they were able to rest their starters in the final quarter, securing a dominant postseason victory.
Upcoming Challenges
The Knicks are set to face either the top-seeded Detroit Pistons or the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the next round.
One game at a time, we just want to keep this momentum going,
Jalen Brunson