Jalen Brunson’s scoring outburst has New York on the brink of a dominant sweep pushing Philadelphia to the edge of playoff elimination.
The first round of the NBA playoffs may have proven that 3-1 series leads aren’t enough to consider safe. But the New York Knicks have put themselves in position to handle that pressure by taking an undefeated 3-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, opening a chance to advance with what would be the postseason’s second sweep.
Behind star guard Jalen Brunson’s 33-point performance, New York has taken a forcible lead in the series, positioning itself just one win away from stamping its ticket to the next round.
For more on Brunson’s impressive night, here is a breakdown from Knicks Roundtable writer Jack Haslett.
The 108-94 win over Philadelphia continues the Knicks’ stellar 14-3 record against their division-mates, putting themselves in the driver’s seat as the series stays in Philly for Game 4 on Sunday.
Along with Brunson’s 33 points, he shot 50% from the floor, added nine assists, five rebounds and shot 37.5% from three.
Behind him, guard Mikal Bridges added 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns led the game in rebounds with 12.
Without OG Anunoby, the Knicks haven’t skipped a beat. He’s been out with a strained hamstring in his right leg, considered day-to-day.
With a 3-0 series lead, there’s less pressure to get him back on the court quickly.
If the Knicks can advance with a sweep on Sunday, they would go into their next matchup against the winner of the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers series with Anunoby’s eventual return adding a boost to New York’s output.
The Pistons currently lead that series 2-0 with Game 3 tipping off Saturday afternoon.