Brunson, Knicks Eliminate Embiid, 76ers from NBA Playoffs in Rout as Fans React to Historic G4
A historic first half from Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks set up a series sweep of Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in a 144-114 blowout victory on Sunday.
It continues an embarrassing trend for Embiid, who has never advanced beyond the second round of the NBA playoffs:
The road win was fueled by 18 3-pointers from the Knicks in the first half, tying an NBA playoff record for most 3-pointers in a half.
The blowout win was powered by 22 points, four rebounds and six assists from Brunson while Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks for a double-double.
Mikal Bridges added 12 points, six assists and three steals while Josh Hart recorded 17 points and nine rebounds. Miles McBride provided a spark off the bench with a 2026 postseason-high 25 points, shooting 7-of-9 from beyond the arc.
The Knicks shot 57 percent from 3-point range, knocking down 25 3-pointers to tie the all-time postseason record.
The Knicks got the job done despite remaining without starting forward OG Anunoby, who suffered a right hamstring injury in Game 2.
Philadelphia's Embiid finished with 24 points on a perfect shooting performance from the field while adding five rebounds and four assists. Tyrese Maxey added 17 points while Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 10 points.
Paul George and VJ Edgecombe were kept quiet. George finished with seven points while shooting 1-of-4 from 3-point range, while Edgecombe added eight points on 29 percent shooting.
New York will return to the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight year as the first team to advance past the semifinals. The Knicks will look to end their playoff woes from the previous four seasons as they pursue their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
A look at the semifinal playoff bracket.
Western Conference
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder lead No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers, 3-0
No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves lead No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, 2-1
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Detroit Pistons lead No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers, 2-1
No. 3 New York Knicks defeat No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers, 4-0
The New York Knicks will face the winner of the No. 1 Detroit Pistons and No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals.
