NBA 2026 Conference Semifinals: New York Knicks Extend Historic Run, Cruise Past Philadelphia 76ers 137–98 In Game 1
New York Knicks defeated Philadelphia 76ers 137–98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden, with Jalen Brunson leading the charge with 35 points in a dominant, wire-to-wire performance. The Knicks blew the game open before halftime, shooting 63% from the field and stretching their historic playoff run to three straight wins by 25+ points. Philadelphia, coming off a draining seven-game series against Boston, never found rhythm as Joel Embiid struggled with his efficiency and Tyrese Maxey was kept quiet early, forcing Nick Nurse to empty his bench midway through the third quarter as New York’s cohesion and firepower overwhelmed them completely.
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid reacts during the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
Philadelphia 76ers' Vj Edgecombe, center, drives to the basket during the second half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns, center, reacts after getting knocked to the ground during the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the Philadelphia 76ers in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
New York Knicks' Tyler Kolek reacts after sinking a three-point basket during the second half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the Philadelphia 76ers in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson reacts while watching from the bench during the second half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the Philadelphia 76ers in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
Philadelphia 76ers' Adem Bona, top, fouls New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns during the second half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
Philadelphia 76ers' Vj Edgecombe, right, fouls New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson during the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
New York Knicks' Og Anunoby, right, drives past Philadelphia 76ers' Justin Edwards during the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey, center, goes up for a shot during the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks in New York. | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig
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