Knicks make history with sweep of 76ers
Knicks make history: The New York Knicks have made history by sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers 4-0 in their Eastern Conference playoff series, advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive season. The Knicks set an NBA postseason record by hitting 11 three-pointers in the first quarter of their 144-114 victory on the road.
Record-setting shooting performance
The Knicks tied the NBA postseason record with 25 three-pointers in the game. Deuce McBride led the team with seven three-pointers and scored 25 points. Jalen Brunson contributed 22 points, while Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns each added 17 points. McBride became the first Knick since 1997 to hit four three-pointers in the first quarter of a playoff game. Brunson also made two threes in the first quarter, helping the Knicks reach 11 made three-pointers out of 13 attempts in that quarter, tying the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a quarter.
By halftime, the Knicks had made 18 three-pointers and led 81-57, dominating the 76ers with their long-range shooting. This performance helped the Knicks secure their first best-of-seven series sweep since the 1999 Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta.
Knicks fans dominate in Philadelphia
Knicks fans were a prominent presence at the 76ers’ home arena, continuing a tradition of purchasing large numbers of tickets for playoff games in Philadelphia. During Game 4, Knicks supporters waved “Always Knicks” towels and raised brooms outside the arena, symbolizing the sweep. Their loud support helped neutralize the home crowd’s energy throughout the game.
Looking ahead
The Knicks will face the winner of the Cleveland-Detroit series in the Eastern Conference finals. The Detroit Pistons currently lead that series 2-1. Last season, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years before losing to Indiana. Since then, the team replaced coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown, who has led the Knicks to seven straight playoff wins, including the last three games against Atlanta and the current sweep of Philadelphia.
The 76ers, who had a strong first-round comeback against Boston, were unable to advance past the second round once again. Joel Embiid scored 24 points despite an injury-riddled season, and Tyrese Maxey added 17 points. The 76ers have not advanced beyond the second round since 2001. Adding to their disappointment, Philadelphia’s two first-round picks from the 2018 draft, Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet, are now playing for the Knicks.
