Knicks roll past 76ers in lopsided Game 1 of East semifinals
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The New York Knicks opened the Eastern Conference semifinals with a commanding 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
New York, the No. 2 seed, established control early at Madison Square Garden and never trailed. Guard Jalen Brunson poured in 31 points, scoring 27 before halftime. Forward Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes, knocking down three 3-pointers. The Knicks’ defense limited Sixers center Joel Embiid while neutralizing Philadelphia’s attempt to slow the game with brief Hack-A-Mitch fouls on Mitchell Robinson.
Philadelphia, seeded seventh after rallying from a 3-1 deficit to oust the Boston Celtics in the first round, struggled offensively, shooting 41 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. The Sixers will look for quicker production from Tyrese Maxey and improved perimeter defense in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
Elsewhere in the second round, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons open their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. In the Western Conference, the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs meet the Minnesota Timberwolves with Anthony Edwards returning from a left knee injury, while the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder face the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers after sweeping the Phoenix Suns.
Source: ESPN.com
