The New York Knicks are headed back to the Eastern Conference finals after overwhelming the Philadelphia 76ers 144-114 on Sunday, completing a commanding four-game sweep in Philadelphia.
New York delivered one of the hottest shooting performances in franchise playoff history, knocking down a team-record 25 three-pointers and putting the game out of reach almost immediately. The Knicks exploded in the opening quarter, hitting 11 of 13 attempts from beyond the arc to build a 43-24 lead they never surrendered.
Guard Jalen Brunson led a balanced attack with 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds while draining six shots from long range. Miles McBride turned in his best postseason outing yet, scoring a game-high 25 points and connecting on seven three-pointers while filling in for injured forward OG Anunoby, who missed his second straight game. Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points and 10 assists in a double-double performance as six Knicks players finished in double figures.
Philadelphia never recovered from New York’s early barrage despite 24 points and five rebounds from Joel Embiid, who has continued to battle injuries following an emergency appendectomy last month. Tyrese Maxey chipped in 17 points and four assists. Outside of a tight Game 2, the series was largely one-sided, with Knicks fans heavily present throughout the games in Philadelphia. The Sixers’ lengthy absence from the Eastern Conference finals now continues, while New York advances to the conference finals for the second straight season.
The Knicks will next face the winner of the Detroit Pistons-Cleveland Cavaliers series as they continue their push toward the NBA Finals.
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