Brunson leads Knicks past 76ers to take 2-0 lead in hard-fought Eastern semifinals clash

Posted : 07 May 2026

Jalen Brunson delivered another composed playoff performance, scoring 26 points to guide the New York Knicks to a narrow 108-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. The result gives the Knicks a 2-0 advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Unlike Game 1, which ended in a dominant Knicks victory, Game 2 was a tightly contested battle throughout. The matchup featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties, with neither team ever leading by more than seven points in a dramatic and evenly matched contest.

Brunson once again proved decisive in the closing stages, scoring the go-ahead basket with just over five minutes remaining. He followed it up with another key jumper late in the game to extend New York’s lead, helping the Knicks maintain control in the final minutes.

Head coach Mike Brown praised Brunson’s ability to stay composed in pressure moments, noting that he consistently finds ways to create scoring opportunities when defenses adjust. Brown highlighted his guard’s ability to operate effectively when switched onto different defenders.

OG Anunoby contributed 24 points for New York but left the game late due to injury concerns and did not return to the bench. His status moving forward remains uncertain. Karl-Anthony Towns also played a strong all-around game, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

Philadelphia, playing without injured star Joel Embiid, showed far more resistance than in their Game 1 defeat. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 26 points, bouncing back strongly after a quiet opening performance in the series.

Despite his absence, the 76ers remained competitive, with Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. adding 19 points each, while rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 17. Philadelphia briefly took a late lead before the Knicks responded with crucial baskets, including a key three-pointer from Josh Hart.

Coach Nick Nurse pointed to missed opportunities in the closing stretch, noting that his team generated quality shots but failed to convert at critical moments.

The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4, where the 76ers will hope for better fortune at home as they attempt to recover from a 2-0 deficit in the series.

Brunson leads Knicks past 76ers to take 2-0 lead in hard-fought Eastern semifinals clash

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