NBA Playoffs Knicks: The New York Knicks moved one step closer to their second consecutive Eastern Conference finals appearance with a gritty 108-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Relying on a suffocating fourth-quarter defense that has become the hallmark of this series, the Knicks held the Sixers to just 18 points in the final frame, silencing the home crowd and taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Bridges and Shamet Step Up Amid Injuries
With defensive anchor OG Anunoby sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Knicks turned to Mikal Bridges to lead the defensive charge. Bridges, returning to his home roots near Philadelphia, was relentless at the point of attack, limiting 76ers star Tyrese Maxey to just 17 points. Offensively, Bridges continued his postseason resurgence, while veteran Landry Shamet provided a critical spark off the bench, scoring 15 points and playing nearly the entire fourth quarter to keep the Knicks ahead.
Brunson Shines as Embiid Struggles
Jalen Brunson once again spearheaded the New York offense, finishing with 33 points. When Philadelphia cut the lead to four in the final period, Brunson took over, scoring nine points to ignite the decisive late run. Conversely, the 76ers struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Despite the return of Joel Embiid, who missed Game 2 with ankle and hip injuries, the reigning MVP appeared slowed by Mitchell Robinson. Embiid finished with 18 points but was largely ineffective as the Knicks held Philly to a dismal 42% shooting from the floor.
The Road to the Conference Finals
Knicks coach Mike Brown praised his team’s adaptability, noting that the “next man up” mentality has been the difference-maker. New York successfully neutralized Paul George, who went 0-9 after the first quarter, and dominated the boards even when Karl-Anthony Towns faced foul trouble. The Knicks now have the opportunity to secure a series sweep on Sunday afternoon, which would mark their first back-to-back conference finals appearances since the 1999-2000 season.