By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks delivered an statement that echoed across the league.
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals turned into a one-sided showcase, as the Knicks steamrolled the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98, extending what is quickly becoming one of the most dominant postseason runs in NBA history.
At the heart of it all was Jalen Brunson, who came out blazing. The All-Star guard poured in 27 of his 35 points before halftime, slicing through Philadelphia’s defense with precision and control. By the break, the game already felt out of reach thanks to the home team’s great shooting night.
New York shot a staggering 63% from the field and at one point built a 40-point cushion, overwhelming a 76ers squad that never found its footing. With the win, the Knicks became the first team in NBA playoff history to record three consecutive victories by 25 points or more.
Karl-Anthony Towns, who added 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists in limited minutes. OG Anunoby was nearly flawless, scoring 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 17 of his own.
Still recovering from the series against Boston Celtics, it was a night to forget for Philadelphia. Paul George led the team with 17 points, but Joel Embiid struggled mightily, finishing with just 14 points on inefficient shooting. The 76ers looked drained, a stark contrast to a Knicks: the team has now won four straight games by a combined margin of 135 points.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 4-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94, 116-109, 93-79, 116-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 4-3 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93, 125-120, 110-112, 114-102)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 4-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97, 140-89)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-4 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113, 93-106, 100-109)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Detroit Pistons – Cleveland Cavaliers
6. New York Knicks – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (137-98)
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 4-2 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115, 93-99, 98-78)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-4 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113, 98-110)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Los Angeles Lakers
6. San Antonio Spurs – Minnesota Timberwolves 0-1 (102-104)
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions