Knicks rout Sixers 137-98 in Game 1; Bridges and Anunoby stay hot, Brunson warns of tougher test
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The New York Knicks opened the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 137-98 demolition of the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at Madison Square Garden, connecting on 53 of 84 attempts for a scorching 63.1% from the field.
“It’s a lot of fun when you have concepts on either end of the floor and guys are trying to embrace those concepts at the highest level,” head coach Mike Brown said, according to The Athletic. “When they do, it doesn’t really matter what you call.”
Every Knicks starter besides Josh Hart (eight points, six assists) scored at least 17 points, and only Jalen Brunson attempted more than 11 shots.
Bridges, Anunoby maintain momentum
Mikal Bridges, who managed no more than 11 points in the first five games of the first-round series against Atlanta before exploding for 24 in Game 6, tallied 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, dished five assists and posted a plus-19 in 27 minutes Monday. He also helped contain Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey.
“He’s a huge factor for us. He’s been playing great,” Brunson told the New York Post.
OG Anunoby remained red-hot, going 23-for-30 from the floor and 8-for-11 from three-point range over his last three games. “He’s just playing real aggressive, really downhill,” Brunson said. “He’s creating havoc, and he’s making good decisions.”
Looking ahead to Game 2
Game 2 is set for Wednesday in New York, and Brunson anticipates a sharper effort from Philadelphia. “I don’t think we’re going to see that team from Game 1,” he told ESPN. “They’ll be ready to go.”
Draft workout
Earlier Monday, the Knicks hosted Florida State forward Lajae Jones for a pre-draft workout, according to SNY. Jones averaged 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds last season for the Seminoles, his third collegiate program.
Source: Hoops Rumors
