The New York Knicks made a thunderous statement in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, demolishing the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 on Monday night. Jalen Brunson was unstoppable, dropping 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half alone, setting the tone for a dominant performance that left little doubt about who controls this series.
This wasn't just a win—it was history. The Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three straight playoff games by at least 25 points. Their shooting was scorching hot at 63% from the field, and they built a 40-point lead that had Madison Square Garden rocking from start to finish.
OG Anunoby was nearly perfect, scoring 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 17 points, with Towns stuffing the stat sheet with six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes of action. It was a balanced attack that left the 76ers scrambling for answers.
The Knicks' postseason roll is nothing short of remarkable. After falling behind 2-1 against Atlanta in the first round, they've now won four straight games by a combined 135 points. According to Sportradar, they're the first team since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1996-97 to lead three straight playoff games by at least 30 points.
For Philadelphia, it was a brutal reality check. Joel Embiid struggled mightily, shooting just 3-for-11 for 14 points. Paul George led the 76ers with 17 points, while Tyrese Maxey managed only 13 and didn't make his first basket until five minutes into the second quarter. The 76ers had just one day off after pulling off a historic Game 7 comeback in Boston—completing the NBA's 14th comeback from a 3-1 deficit—but they looked like a team that had nothing left in the tank.
The contrast between these two teams couldn't be starker. While the 76ers were fighting for survival, the Knicks cruised through their first-round finale, crushing Atlanta 140-89 in Game 6 and setting a postseason record with a 47-point halftime lead. Monday night had similar vibes, with New York controlling every aspect of the game.
Game 2 is Wednesday night in New York before the series shifts to Philadelphia. Embiid has already made a plea to 76ers fans: don't sell your tickets to Knicks fans. But after a performance like this, it's hard to blame anyone for wanting to see the hottest team in basketball up close.