The New York Knicks opened the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 137-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, taking a 1-0 series lead.
The margin marked one of the most lopsided victories of the 2026 playoffs and set a franchise postseason record for the largest home win, according to multiple reports.
Guard Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, including 27 in the first half, as New York established control early and did not trail after the opening quarter. The Knicks shot above 60 percent from the field and surpassed 50 percent from 3-point range, producing one of their most efficient playoff performances in franchise history.
Forward OG Anunoby added 18 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 17, reflecting balanced scoring across the starting lineup.
New York’s defense limited Philadelphia’s top scorers and held the team under 100 points for a fourth straight game. Center Joel Embiid scored 14 points, while guard Tyrese Maxey finished with 13, both below typical production levels. The Knicks built a double-digit lead in the first half and extended it to as many as 40 points in the fourth quarter.
The victory continued a stretch of dominant playoff play for New York. The team has recorded multiple consecutive wins by margins of 30 points or more, a rare feat in league history. The Knicks also became the first team in the play-by-play era to lead by at least 30 points in three straight playoff games, underscoring their recent form.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday in New York, where the Knicks will attempt to extend their series lead. Philadelphia enters the game seeking adjustments after limited resistance in Game 1. The result reinforced New York’s standing in the Eastern Conference, with scoring output and defensive pressure shaping the opening game of the series.
