The New York Knicks moved one step closer to a series sweep after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday.
Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges combined for 56 points, leading the Knicks to a road victory that puts them on the verge of advancing to the conference finals. Brunson scored a game-high 33 points, while Bridges added 23 points in place of the injured OG Anunoby.
Philadelphia stormed out of the gates with a 9-0 run and built a double-digit lead in the first quarter behind Paul George, who poured in 15 points in the opening frame. However, the Knicks fought back to trail by just four at the end of the first quarter and seized control with a dominant second period. New York never trailed after halftime.
Kelly Oubre led the 76ers with 22 points, and Philadelphia’s entire starting lineup finished in double figures. But the Knicks’ bench provided a decisive advantage, with former Sixer Landry Shamet chipping in 15 points.
Rebounding proved to be a critical factor. The Knicks consistently outworked Philadelphia on the offensive glass, generating second-chance points that energized the crowd and exposed a season-long weakness for the 76ers. While Philadelphia managed to clean up its rebounding issues against Boston in the first round, the problem resurfaced against New York’s more physical frontcourt.
New York will aim for its first sweep in a seven-game playoff series since 1999 when the teams meet again Sunday in Game 4.
