The New York Knicks will look to become the first team to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals this postseason as they go for the sweep against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
The Knicks carry a 3-0 series lead into Game 4 at Wells Fargo Center after grinding out wins in all three matchups, including a 108-94 victory in Game 3. Philadelphia has not overwhelmed New York offensively like they did in their first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
Each game in the series has featured different margins, yet the Knicks have consistently found answers. They opened with a blowout 137-98 win, followed by a close 108-102 triumph in Game 2, then created separation late in Game 3 to move within one win of advancing.
Jalen Brunson led the team with 33 points, while Mikal Bridges posted 23 points. Landry Shamet, who saw increased minutes in OG Anunoby’s absence, scored a series-high 15 points off the bench, along with Josh Hart’s 12 points.
For Philadelphia, the challenge is clear – generate dominance on both ends before the season disappears. In the 76ers’ first-round series against the Celtics, Tyrese Maxey led the team in scoring and was highly impactful on the glass as well. So far in three games against the Knicks, he has been kept off balance for much of the series.
Even worse, Maxey is a minus-39 across the three games and has been largely ineffective in 39.33 minutes on the floor. In Game 3, the struggles continued as he finished with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, along with two rebounds and seven assists.
Now back at home, Maxey and company will try to summon the urgency and emotion that often comes with elimination games. Anything short of a win sends the 76ers into the offseason.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Injury Reports
New York Knicks Injury Report
OG Anunoby continues to remain a game-time decision with a hamstring injury. He missed Game 4 with the same designation.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid, who made his return in Game 3 after missing Game 2 with hip soreness, is listed as questionable. He scored 18 points in Game 3.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineups
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson, SG: Josh Hart, SF: Mikal Bridges, PF: Landry Shamet, C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Maxey | SG: VJ Edgecombe | SF: Kelly Oubre Jr. | PF: Paul George | C: Joel Embiid
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
