The New York Knicks survived a much tougher challenge in Game 2, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 on Wednesday night to grab a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Unlike their recent blowout victories, New York had to grind this one out. After cruising through recent playoff games in dominant fashion, New York was pushed into a tense battle this time. The Knicks struggled from three-point range but made up for it with strong overall shooting and solid free-throw execution down the stretch.
With Joel Embiid sidelined by injury, Philadelphia responded with far more energy and competitiveness than it showed in the lopsided Game 1 defeat. The contest stayed tight from start to finish, featuring 25 lead changes and 14 ties, with neither side ever building more than a seven-point advantage.
Jalen Brunson once again delivered for the Knicks, with the All-Star guard finishing with 26 points and six assists, hitting a key jumper midway through the fourth quarter to put New York ahead for good. He followed with another clutch basket moments later before Mikal Bridges added a late score that stretched the lead to six. OG Anunoby chipped in 24 points along with five rebounds and four steals, while Karl-Anthony Towns produced an efficient all-around effort with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists despite battling early foul trouble. Bridges added 18 points on an efficient shooting night as the Knicks extended their playoff winning streak to five games.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia looked noticeably quicker offensively without Embiid, relying heavily on Tyrese Maxey to lead the attack. Maxey scored 26 points and handed out six assists (though he struggled with efficiency and committed six turnovers). Paul George added 19 points after a hot start that included three early three-pointers. However, The 76ers’ biggest issue proved to be ball security, as they finished with 18 turnovers that stalled their offense late in the game. Andre Drummond started in Embiid’s place, but Philadelphia spent much of the night using smaller lineups.
Now trailing 2-0 in the series, the 76ers will head back home to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday,
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