The New York Knicks are headed back to the Eastern Conference Finals after a dominant 144-114 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night in Philadelphia.
New York completed a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference semifinals and matched an NBA playoff record with 25 made 3-pointers. The Knicks also set a franchise postseason scoring record with 144 points.
Guard Miles McBride led the Knicks with 25 points and hit seven 3-pointers, helping New York seize control early. The Knicks buried 11 shots from beyond the arc in the opening quarter and built a 19-point lead before the game settled into the second half.
Jalen Brunson added 22 points and continued his strong postseason run. Brunson has emerged as the centerpiece of New York’s playoff surge, guiding the franchise to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances for the first time in decades.
The Knicks controlled nearly every phase of the game despite playing without forward OG Anunoby, who missed the contest with a hamstring injury. Coach Mike Brown said before the game the team was taking a cautious approach with Anunoby’s recovery as New York carried a 3-0 series lead into Game 4.
Philadelphia received 24 points from Joel Embiid, who shot efficiently from the field, but the 76ers struggled defensively and were outrebounded 47-30.
The atmosphere inside Philadelphia’s arena often sounded closer to a Knicks home game, with large pockets of New York fans cheering throughout the night. The victory extended the Knicks’ postseason winning streak to seven games.
New York now awaits the winner of the other Eastern Conference semifinal series as it pursues its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
