By Matija Šerić
New York is one of the teams playing the most beautiful basketball in this year’s NBA season. After winning the NBA Cup in December, the Knicks have shown in the playoffs that they have deep potential. The Eastern Conference Finals are their minimum goal after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 4–2 in the quarterfinals and sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers 4–0 in the semifinals. They are on a seven-game winning streak, and their play has been brilliant—something clearly visible in all four matchups against the 76ers.
Game 1 – Brunson’s Show
At Madison Square Garden, the visitors arrived with high expectations after eliminating favored Boston 4–3 in the previous round. However, the Knicks immediately hinted at the tone of the series, which turned into a one-way street. They led by 23 points at halftime and ultimately won by +39 (137–98).
Point guard Jalen Brunson was especially dominant in the first half, scoring 27 of his 35 points. He had an outstanding shooting night—12 of 18 from the field. His teammates were also highly efficient. OG Anunoby scored 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 17 points (combined 21-of-29 shooting), with Towns also contributing six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes. The Knicks shot 63% from the field, compared to the 76ers’ 41%.
With such shooting efficiency, the outcome was never in doubt. The Brunson–Mitchell Robinson pick-and-roll repeatedly dismantled the defense. The 76ers had no answer. Joel Embiid, who had been crucial in eliminating Boston, had a poor night with 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting, while Paul George added 17. Tyrese Maxey scored only 13 points, with his first basket coming in the 17th minute. The rest of the team followed suit in a lackluster performance. Coach Nick Nurse pulled his starters early in the third quarter, as it seemed the team had burned out after their previous series.
Game 2 – A Lesson in Competitiveness
Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, the series continued in a similar fashion. Although Game 2 was the closest and their best performance, the Knicks still prevailed 108–102.
The lead changed hands 25 times (a record over the past 11 years), with 11 ties. Brunson again led the Knicks with 26 points and six assists, delivering in crucial moments. He tied the game with 5:06 remaining and later gave his team a 103–99 lead. His composure, along with timely baskets from Josh Hart, proved decisive.
With Embiid sidelined due to injury, the Knicks dominated the paint 56–30. Towns recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Anunoby added 24 before getting injured.
For Philadelphia, Maxey stepped up with 26 points and six assists, playing 47 minutes. The team struggled whenever he was off the court. Paul George contributed 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The 76ers made 13 three-pointers to stay competitive, but fatigue set in during the fourth quarter.
Game 3 – A Team Victory for the Knicks
Game 3 was do-or-die for Philadelphia. Playing at home, they started strong with a 9–0 run and led 20–8. George, Oubre, and Embiid performed at a high level early, but by the end of the first quarter, the lead had shrunk to just +4.
Midway through the second quarter, the Knicks took control through contributions from Landry Shamet, Bridges, Hart, Robinson, and a resurging Brunson. They won 108–94.
Brunson overcame a slow start (2-of-8 shooting) to finish with 33 points on 50% shooting. Hart added 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Bridges scored 23 points on 69% shooting. Robinson’s impact—though not fully reflected in stats—was crucial in the paint.
For Philadelphia, Oubre and Embiid scored 22 and 18 points, respectively. Paul George, after scoring 15 in the first quarter, failed to score again, finishing 6-of-18 from the field.
Game 4 – A Dominant Display
After Game 3, ESPN analysts labeled the Knicks a “machine”—and rightly so. In Game 4, they crushed the 76ers 144–114, extending their winning streak to seven games.
They controlled the game from the start, winning the first quarter 43–24. By halftime, the score was an astonishing 81–57. The Knicks overwhelmed their opponents from three-point range (25–8). The atmosphere felt like a home game, as Knicks fans filled the arena.
Despite Anunoby’s absence, his replacement Deuce McBride delivered brilliantly with 25 points and seven three-pointers. Brunson scored 22, while Hart and Towns added 17 each.
For Philadelphia, Embiid led with 24 points and Maxey added 17, but George and Edgecombe struggled, scoring only 7 and 8 points, respectively.
Are the Knicks Making History?
This marks the Knicks’ first 4–0 playoff sweep since 1999, when they swept Atlanta. But beyond the sweep and seven consecutive wins, their on-court performance is what truly stands out.
They currently rank as the second-best offensive and third-best defensive team in the playoffs. With a +194 point differential, they’ve surpassed the record set by the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
The team is versatile, even without having the league’s biggest individual stars like SGA, Nikola Jokić, or Victor Wembanyama. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson are playing at an MVP level, while OG Anunoby—currently sidelined—remains a key piece, especially in shooting.
Their dominant series win also allowed them valuable rest. Additionally, they allow the fewest second-chance points among all playoff teams.
All these factors give them a strong chance moving forward. Whoever they face in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks will have a real opportunity to reach the NBA Finals.
