BRUNSON LEADS KNICKS TO 2-0 SERIES ADVANTAGE OVER 76ERS
Hope
New York Knicks strengthened their grip on the Eastern Conference semi-final series after defeating Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
Jalen Brunson once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring 26 points as the Knicks secured a hard-fought victory at Madison Square Garden to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Unlike the opening game, which New York won comfortably by 39 points, Game 2 proved far more competitive from start to finish. The contest featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties, with neither side leading by more than seven points throughout the night.
Brunson took control in the closing stages, hitting the go-ahead basket with just over five minutes remaining before adding another crucial jumper late in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks pull clear.
OG Anunoby added 24 points for New York, while Karl-Anthony Towns produced an impressive all-round display with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
The 76ers were again without injured star Joel Embiid, who missed the game because of hip and ankle injuries. Despite his absence, Philadelphia produced a much stronger performance compared to their heavy defeat in Game 1.
Tyrese Maxey scored 26 points for the visitors, while Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 19 points each.
The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday, with the 76ers facing increasing pressure to respond and avoid slipping further behind.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference semi-finals, San Antonio Spurs levelled their series against Minnesota Timberwolves with a dominant 133-95 victory.
Victor Wembanyama starred for San Antonio with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Stephon Castle added 21 points in the biggest playoff defeat in Timberwolves franchise history.
