Knicks vs. 76ers: 3 keys for New York in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Knicks hit first in their second round series with the Philadelphia 76ers, taking Game 1 in a 137-98 rout.

Everything was working well for New York, who built a 23-point advantage at halftime and led by as many as 40 points. The Knicks shot a scintillating 19-for-37 (51.3 percent) from three and had 34 assists in the win.

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With Game 2 on Wednesday, there is no rest for the weary. Here’s three keys to watch for…

On a heater

Jalen Brunson must be relieved. After a first-round series where he was pestered by Atlanta Hawks guards Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Brunson is facing less pressure from the 76ers.

Brunson was dynamic in Game 1, registering 35 points, with 27 coming in the first half. He was also efficient, shooting 12-for-18 from the field.

It was clear that Philadelphia’s softer defensive coverage allowed Brunson to cook. Centers Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond are positioned in drop coverage, where they sag back into the paint. It gave Brunson a free runway to pull up from the three-point line or in the midrange.

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Atlanta switched many of its defensive actions, which gave Brunson fewer windows to attack in the pick-and-roll. With the 76ers, Brunson should be more comfortable.

The next question will be how Philadelphia will adjust for Game 2 after Brunson’s hot night. They could blitz the pick-and-roll to get the ball out of Brunson’s hands or switch more often. But the Knicks look prepared to answer any adjustments.

Foul trouble

It didn’t take long for fouls to be a story in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two fouls just over five minutes into the game. His backup, Mitchell Robinson, quickly followed suit with two fouls in the first quarter.

May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Both centers had three fouls in the first half, eventually leading to third-string big Ariel Hukporti seeing real…

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Publish date : 2026-05-05 13:15:00

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