Without Joel Embiid in Game 2, 76ers Drop Second Straight to Knicks
Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and helped New York control a tight game, leading the Knicks to a 108-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night (May 6) US time, to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
76ers Show Improved Effort Without Embiid
Playing without the injured Joel Embiid, the 76ers put up a much better fight than when the Knicks won decisively 137-98 in Game 1. Embiid was confirmed absent due to right hip and ankle pain after waking up with discomfort and was unable to participate in the 76ers' morning practice session.
Record-Breaking Game Drama
The game featured 25 lead changes, the most in a playoff game in 11 years, and 14 ties. No team led by more than seven points. These 25 lead changes mark the most since the Spurs and Clippers recorded 31 lead changes on May 2, 2015.
Brunson Delivers Clutch Performance
However, the situation suited Brunson perfectly, as he hit the go-ahead shot with 5:06 remaining and added another basket to extend the lead to 103-99 with 3:45 left before Mikal Bridges' shot narrowed the deficit to six points.
OG Anunoby added 24 points for New York, though he was not on the court at the end of the game. His status remains uncertain.
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Knicks, whose Game 1 victory made them the first team to win three consecutive playoff games by a margin of at least 25 points.
Maxey Carries 76ers Offense
Tyrese Maxey scored 26 points for the 76ers, who now face another daunting challenge after falling behind 3-1 against Boston in the first round.
Series Shifts to Philadelphia
The series continues to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday US time, where Embiid will learn whether his wish for a Wells Fargo Center filled with Sixers fans or New York fans will prevail.