Jalen Brunson, Knicks Beat Joel Embiid, 76ers in Game 3 as NBA Fans Eye Series Sweep
Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 108-94 Game 3 win over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, giving New York a commanding 3-0 series lead in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Behind Brunson's game-high 33 points on 50 percent shooting and nine assists, the Knicks have a chance to clinch the Eastern Conference semifinals with a sweep on Sunday.
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In addition, Karl-Anthony Towns added eight points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges scored 23 points, while Josh Hart recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Landry Shamet provided a spark off the bench with 15 points and three rebounds.
The Knicks pulled off the win without starting forward OG Anunoby, who suffered a right hamstring injury in Game 2.
Philadelphia's Embiid finished with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Paul George added 15 points, while Tyrese Maxey had 17 points on 66 percent shooting. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the team with 22 points.
The Knicks look to return to the Eastern Conference finals for a second straight year after four consecutive playoff appearances, but are eager to reach the NBA Finals, falling short since 1999.
Last season, the Knicks fell 4-2 to the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals.
Meanwhile, the 76ers missed the postseason last year after seven straight appearances and are now looking to overcome a nearly impossible 3-0 deficit.
A look at the semifinal playoff bracket.
Western Conference
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder lead No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers, 2-0
No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves tied No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, 1-1
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Detroit Pistons lead No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers, 2-0
No. 3 New York Knicks lead No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers, 3-0
The winner of No. 3 New York Knicks and No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers will face the victor of the No. 1 Detroit Pistons and No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals.
New York will host Game 4 against Philadelphia on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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