Knicks Reach East Finals With Blowout Sweep of Sixers
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The New York Knicks closed out a 4-0 series win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon, rolling to a 144-114 victory at Xfinity Mobile Arena and extending their overall winning streak to seven games. The result sends New York to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season.
Backing the visitors, a large contingent of Knicks fans filled the Philadelphia arena, creating an atmosphere guard Josh Hart described as anything but hostile. “I used to think Philly was a sports town. I don’t know if it is anymore,” said Hart, who played college basketball at Villanova. “Everybody was begging for Philly fans not to sell their tickets. It never felt like a road game.”
Hot start buries Philadelphia early
New York tied an NBA postseason record by knocking down 18 three-pointers in the first half and led by 24 at the break. Through two playoff rounds, the Knicks are outscoring opponents by 19.4 points per game—according to ESPN, the largest margin for any club entering the conference finals since the league expanded its playoff field 42 years ago.
Towns’ playmaking sparks offense
Karl-Anthony Towns registered nine assists in 16 first-half minutes and finished with 10 while logging only four minutes after halftime. Head coach Mike Brown began using the center as a primary passer midway through the opening round against Atlanta, a switch Towns credited to the coaching staff. “We found a way to stabilize our season and do what was needed to adjust to Atlanta,” he said. “It’s a shout-out to the coaching staff for realizing adjustments that needed to be made and also to me personally that they trusted me.”
Next-man-up mentality
Starting for the injured OG Anunoby, Miles McBride buried seven threes on Sunday. The second-year guard told SNY.tv the club’s attitude changed after falling behind Atlanta early in Round 1. “We know we’re the better team, but we can’t just expect to win,” McBride said. “Our mindset shifted to taking the game instead of waiting for them to give it to us.”
Brunson calms the bench
Since signing in the summer of 2022, Jalen Brunson has become the stabilizing force New York long sought, head coach Brown told The Athletic. “What’s the dude’s name on Snoopy? Linus? He’s got a blanket,” Brown said. “I’m Linus, and Jalen is my blanket. He helps me relax throughout the course of a game.”
New York now awaits its opponent in the conference finals, seeking to maintain the dominance that has defined its postseason run so far.
Source: Hoops Rumors
