Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and the New York Knicks have made a splash in the Eastern Conference finals, sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers with a stunning 144-114 victory. They set a new NBA postseason mark with 11 three-pointers in the first quarter, showing off their impressive skills in front of a raucous crowd filled with Knicks fans.
Deuce McBride led the charge, sinking 7 of the Knicks’ 25 three-pointers and tallying 25 points. Brunson contributed 22, while Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 17. This remarkable performance means the Knicks have outscored their opponents by 194 points this postseason—the best ten-game point differential in NBA playoff history.
This victory also marked a historic high for the franchise in the postseason, making the Knicks one of only five teams to score 140 or more points in multiple playoff games in a single season. Towns noted, “It’s just us being very locked into the moment,” highlighting the team’s focus and energy.
Last season, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years but lost to Indiana. After a coaching change—moving from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown—they’ve found their rhythm with a seven-game playoff win streak, a record for the team.
Knicks fans are known for traveling in droves to support their team. In Game 4, many showed up at the Sixers’ arena, waving “Always Knicks” towels and raising brooms in celebration. McBride set the tone early, hitting four three-pointers in quick succession, leading to a 20-6 advantage before the Sixers knew what hit them. He became the first Knick to accomplish that feat in a playoff game since they started tracking play-by-play stats.
The Knicks also recorded an explosive 54 points from three-point shots in just the first half. They established an enormous 81-57 lead by halftime, ultimately pushing the game toward their first best-of-seven series sweep since 1999.
This current Knicks squad is earning comparisons to their legendary predecessors. They’ve not only dominated games but also created an electrifying atmosphere that fans can’t help but love. Historical data shows that teams with high three-point shooting percentages often succeed in the playoffs, making their shooting prowess a crucial factor in their success.
Meanwhile, the 76ers are facing more scrutiny. After a promising series comeback to defeat Boston in the first round, they’re now packing up early once again. Coach Nick Nurse pointed out the stark energy difference between the two teams during Game 4. Key players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey struggled against the Knicks’ onslaught, and once again, the franchise has not advanced past the second round since 2001.
As the Knicks prepare for their next challenge, whether against Cleveland or Detroit, the buzz around them grows. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the team can maintain this momentum and go further than they did last year.
For further details on the Knicks’ journey and statistics, check out ESPN’s coverage on the NBA playoffs. Read more here.
