The Eastern Conference semifinals have quickly turned into a showcase of grit, clutch shot-making and playoff intensity, and on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks once again proved why they are becoming one of the most dangerous teams left in the postseason.
Behind 26 points from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks survived a fierce challenge from the Philadelphia 76ers and earned a 108-102 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
Unlike New York’s dominant 137-98 demolition in Game 1, this matchup was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip. Playing without injured superstar Joel Embiid, Philadelphia responded with far more energy and execution, pushing the Knicks into one of the tightest playoff contests seen in years.
The game featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties, the most lead changes in an NBA playoff game in 11 years. Neither side led by more than seven points all night, creating a tense playoff atmosphere that felt decided on every possession.
And when the moment demanded a closer, Brunson delivered once again.
With the score tied late in the fourth quarter, Brunson knocked down the go-ahead basket with 5:06 remaining before adding another clutch jumper with 3:45 left to give New York a 103-99 edge. Moments later, Mikal Bridges buried another key basket to extend the advantage to six and help the Knicks finally create separation.
Bridges finished with 18 points while also playing a major role defensively in slowing down Tyrese Maxey in the second half. OG Anunoby added 24 points for New York, though concern emerged late after the forward exited the game and headed to the locker room. Knicks coach Mike Brown said afterward he did not yet have an update on Anunoby’s condition.
Karl-Anthony Towns continued his strong postseason run with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as New York maintained control of the series heading to Philadelphia.
Despite the loss, the undermanned 76ers showed resilience without Embiid, who was ruled out before the game because of soreness related to right hip and ankle injuries. The former MVP reportedly woke up unable to participate in the team’s morning shootaround.
Philadelphia nearly overcame his absence.
Maxey bounced back from a rough Game 1 performance and looked explosive early, scoring 15 points in the second quarter and 19 in the first half on his way to 26 points overall. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. each added 19 points, while rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 17.
The 76ers grabbed their final lead at 99-96 after an Oubre three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter. But Josh Hart — who briefly exited earlier after appearing to injure his left hand or wrist — responded with a huge three-pointer that shifted momentum back to New York for good.
Now the pressure shifts squarely onto Philadelphia as the series heads to Pennsylvania for Game 3 on Friday night and Game 4 on Sunday. The Knicks are now two wins away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, while the 76ers face the difficult task of climbing out of another postseason hole.
Much of that effort may depend on whether Embiid can return — and whether Philadelphia can protect its home floor from the wave of Knicks fans expected to invade the arena this weekend.
