The Knicks took control of the eastern conference finals with a 108-94 win over the 76ers in Game 3 on Friday night in Philadelphia. Jalen Brunson led the way with 33 points, and New York moved to 3-0 in the series while extending its playoff run to six straight wins.
Brunson Paces New York
Brunson added 9 assists and 5 rebounds, giving New York the steady scoring and ball movement it needed after a fast start from Philadelphia. The Knicks finished with a 49-33 rebounding edge, a margin that let them keep enough possessions alive to control the second half.
Mikal Bridges scored 23 points and drew the job of defending Tyrese Maxey. Josh Hart added 12 points and 11 rebounds while playing through an injured left thumb, and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
Knicks Win The Physical Battle
Philadelphia came in with a different challenge than the box score showed. Earlier in the series, Nick Nurse said his team was “really bothered by some (Knicks) physicality,” and he added, “I thought there were a couple when we drove down the lane and they just clobbered us.” Before tipoff, he also said, “You gotta play through that. You gotta be able to stay on your feet and be able to complete the pass.”
That edge showed up again in Game 3. Mike Brown said, “They kinda punched us in the mouth to start the game,” before adding, “Our guys settled down, and they figured it out the next three quarters.”
Philadelphia Faces The Sweep
OG Anunoby did not play because of injury, but the Knicks still won on the road with Mitchell Robinson adding a dunk over Joel Embiid and Landry Shamet contributing off the bench. Mike Brown has described New York’s attack as “an equal opportunity offense,” and Game 3 backed that up with scoring from Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Towns and the bench.
The result leaves New York one win from a sweep and puts Philadelphia in a 3-0 hole. Joel Embiid played for the 76ers, but the series now shifts with the Knicks carrying the chance to finish it off and keep their postseason run moving without needing another escape game.
