Knicks Dominate 76ers 96-65 in Game 1 of East Semifinals
SLUG: knicks-cruise-past-76ers-in-game-1
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks opened the Eastern Conference semifinals with a commanding 96-65 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
Guard Jalen Brunson paced New York with 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Mikal Bridges added 17 points, including a step-back three that stretched the lead to 31 midway through the third quarter. Josh Hart chipped in eight points and seven rebounds as the Knicks improved to 30-10 at home this season.
New York shot a blistering 68 percent from the field and 59 percent (13-for-22) from beyond the arc while limiting Philadelphia to 42 percent overall and 33 percent (6-for-18) from long range. The Knicks led for 85 percent of the night and never trailed after the opening minutes.
Philadelphia’s Paul George scored 17 points and pulled down five rebounds, but the 76ers struggled to generate consistent offense. Kelly Oubre Jr. was the only other Sixer in double figures with 12 points. Philadelphia turned the ball over 10 times and managed just 14 points in the third quarter as New York pulled away.
Inside the numbers: New York converted 38 of 56 attempts from the floor, compared with Philadelphia’s 21-for-50. The Knicks’ largest advantage reached 31 points late in the third period. Andre Drummond grabbed a team-high seven rebounds for the 76ers, while Miles McBride handed out five assists for New York.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Wednesday night, again at Madison Square Garden.
Source: ESPN
