The New York Knicks are on the verge of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Led by another strong performance from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 in Game 3 to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
After a slow start, Brunson found his rhythm as the game progressed and became the decisive factor in the closing stages. The guard scored 33 points, made 11 of his 22 shots from the field, and led New York to its sixth consecutive playoff victory. Especially in the fourth quarter, the so-called “Nova Knicks” —Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, all former Villanova Wildcats—took control and sealed the deal in front of a raucous Knicks crowd in Philadelphia.
At first, it looked like it would be a close game. The 76ers got off to a better start and built a 12-point lead at one point. Joel Embiid returned from injury and scored 18 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. put up a strong 22 points. Paul George also started hot with 15 points in the first quarter, but went completely scoreless after that and missed his last nine shots.
Sixers mount comeback – Brunson and Knicks counter
In the final quarter, Philadelphia fought its way back into the game. Two early three-pointers by Quentin Grimes cut the deficit to 84-88, but the Knicks then took control for good. Hart and Bridges hit key shots before Brunson kicked off the decisive run with a three-pointer off the backboard to make it 95-86. Bridges finished the game with 23 points, while Hart recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Even without the injured OG Anunoby, New York played with composure and physical dominance. The Knicks got to the free-throw line significantly more often and made 23 of their 32 attempts, while Philadelphia was awarded only 16 free throws. Notably, neither Tyrese Maxey nor Paul George stepped to the line even once.
After seeing some minutes in the first two games, German big man Ariel Hukporti played just three minutes in Game 3, grabbing one offensive rebound.
