The Philadelphia 76ers' season is over, as the New York Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Philadelphia 76ers' season is over.
The New York Knicks completed the sweep against the Sixers on Sunday with a blowout 144-114 victory to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks will face the winner of the Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers series.
The story of Game 4 was simple: it was over before it even started.
Xfinity Mobile Arena was full of Knicks fans, the 76ers had zero momentum entering the contest, and New York ensured they never gained any.
In the opening quarter, the Knicks knocked down 11 of their 13 attempts from three-point range, resulting in a 19-point lead after one. Philadelphia was a bit more competitive in the second quarter but was still outscored 38-33. 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid did not miss a shot in the first half, yet the Sixers still trailed by 24 points headed to the locker room.
The third quarter sealed the 76ers' fate, as Jalen Brunson and the Knicks piled onto their lead, scoring 41 points compared to Philadelphia's 26. Coach Nick Nurse threw in the towel in the final quarter, subbing out all of his starters.
It was a team effort from New York that ended Philadelphia's season, but the star of the show for the Knicks was undoubtedly guard Miles McBride. He finished with 25 points on 70% shooting and 7 of 9 shooting from the arc in just 29 minutes of action.
The Knicks also got 17 or more points from Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart.
For Philadelphia, it was Joel Embiid who led the charge with 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 8 of 8 shooting.
Attention now turns to the offseason for the 76ers, with free agency and the NBA Draft playing key roles entering next season. Decisions will need to be made on the futures of Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond while the scouting department and front office determine what to do with the No. 22 pick in June.
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