Jalen Brunson Leads Knicks to Historic Blowout Win Over 76ers

Posted : 05 May 2026

The New York Knicks continued their dominant postseason run with a commanding 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden. The win marked another emphatic performance in a streak that has seen the Knicks overwhelm opponents on both ends of the court.

Jalen Brunson set the tone early, pouring in 27 first-half points before finishing with 35. His scoring surge helped the Knicks build a massive 23-point halftime lead, effectively putting the game out of reach before the break.

New York’s win extended a historic run, as the team became the first in NBA playoff history to record three consecutive victories by at least 25 points. Over their last several games, the Knicks have consistently overwhelmed opponents, winning by increasingly large margins since overcoming the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.

The game quickly turned one-sided, with the Knicks shooting over 60% in the first half and leading by as many as 40 points. The 76ers, still recovering from a physically and emotionally draining seven-game series against the Boston Celtics, struggled to find rhythm and cohesion.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse eventually pulled his starters midway through the third quarter as the deficit grew beyond 30 points. The decision reflected both the scoreboard and the fatigue carried over from their previous series, which had ended just days earlier.

Knicks coach Mike Brown praised his team’s discipline and execution, crediting their ability to consistently apply game concepts on both ends of the floor. He noted that the team’s preparation allowed them to maintain intensity despite the extended rest between series.

The Knicks’ core players—Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges—have played extensively together throughout the season, giving them a chemistry edge over Philadelphia’s top rotation. That cohesion was evident as New York controlled the game from start to finish.

Brunson emphasized that the team’s success stems from growth through adversity over the course of the season. He also cautioned against complacency, noting that playoff series can shift quickly, referencing past comebacks by opponents in similar situations.

For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid struggled to establish rhythm early, with Embiid missing most of his attempts and Maxey unable to get a meaningful shot in the opening quarter. Despite the heavy defeat, Maxey remained confident the team would adjust in the next game.

While the Knicks celebrated a historic win, Brunson and his teammates remained focused, acknowledging that the series is far from over and expecting a stronger response from Philadelphia in Game 2.

Jalen Brunson Leads Knicks to Historic Blowout Win Over 76ers

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