Knicks Lead 3-0 Over 76ers With 109-94 Win in Game 3
Jalen Brunson scored 33 points, leading the New York Knicks to a 109-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night (8/5) ET, taking a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
Josh Hart recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges added 23 points, bringing the Knicks one step closer to their second consecutive Conference Final appearance.
Brunson bounced back from a rough start—hooting just 2 of 8 from the field—to finish 11 of 22 in 38 minutes, securing the Knicks' sixth consecutive playoff win.
"Jalen is my security blanket," Knicks coach Mike Brown said. "He helps me relax in many different moments throughout the game."
The Knicks have the luxury of not rushing OG Anunoby, who averaged 21.4 points per game in the playoffs. He remains out with a right hamstring injury and his status remains day-to-day.
Joel Embiid scored 18 points for the Sixers in his return after missing Game 2 due to a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness.
"I think he gave everything he could," coach Nick Nurse said.
Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 22 points and Tyrese Maxey added 17 points. Paul George scored 15 points in the first quarter but failed to score again, missing all nine shots for the remainder of the game as the Sixers squandered a 12-point lead.
Beating the Knicks four consecutive times—including twice in New York—appears to be a much taller task for Embiid, Maxey, and the 76ers.
Madison Square Garden regulars like Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Morgan, and Ben Stiller made the trip to Philadelphia, along with other Knicks fans, making the Sixers feel like they weren't playing at home.