Jalen Brunson, Knicks hold off 76ers in thriller, Take 2-0 series lead
Jalen Brunson, Knicks hold off 76ers in thriller, Take 2-0 series lead originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Jalen Brunson scored 26 points Wednesday night as the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
After dominating Philadelphia in a 137-98 blowout victory in Game 1, the Knicks faced a much tougher challenge in Game 2. Playing without injured superstar Joel Embiid, the 76ers responded with significantly more energy and competitiveness, battling New York in a tightly contested matchup that featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties — the most lead changes in an NBA playoff game in 11 years. Neither team led by more than seven points throughout the night, but the Knicks delivered when it mattered most.
New York’s defense dominated the fourth quarter, holding Philadelphia to just 12 points on 4-for-19 shooting to close out the win. Brunson once again provided leadership and offensive control for the Knicks, while OG Anunoby added 24 points despite not being on the floor during the game’s final minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a strong all-around performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as New York maintained its home-court advantage.
Knicks capitalize on 76ers turnovers to seize 2-0 playoff edge Philadelphia received balanced scoring throughout the lineup despite Embiid’s absence. Tyrese Maxey matched Brunson with a team-high 26 points, while Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. each scored 19 points.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe added 17 points in another encouraging performance. However, turnovers proved costly for Philadelphia. The 76ers committed 18 turnovers, leading directly to 23 Knicks points and helping swing momentum toward New York during critical stretches of the game.