New York Knicks dominate Philadelphia in NBA semifinals

May 05, 2026 / 10:56 AM

Sharjah 24: The New York Knicks started strongly against the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA semifinals, dominating their opponent 137-98. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs fell at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-104.

Historic milestone

At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks established themselves as strong contenders to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season (they lost last year 2-4 to the Indiana Pacers) and became the first team in NBA history to win three consecutive playoff games by at least 25 points.

The Knicks shot 63% from the field in a game where they led their opponent by as many as 40 points.

The first team to win four out of seven possible games advances to the next round.

Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his 35 points in the first half, while O.J. Anunoby added 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns and Michael Bridges each scored 17 points.

Towns also had six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes.

Slowing down an offense

After trailing the Hawks 1-2 in the first round, the Knicks have now won four straight games by a total of 135 points.

The three consecutive wins have totaled 119 points, the largest margin in three consecutive games in playoff history, according to ESPN.

Game 2 will also be played Wednesday night in New York before the series moves to Philadelphia, where Joel Embiid has pleaded with Sixers fans not to sell their tickets to Knicks supporters when Game 3 arrives.