The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night.
The Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three straight postseason games by at least 25 points.
Jalen Brunson scored 35 points in the win, with OG Anunoby adding 18 points. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges both had 17.
“We’re playing well, but it doesn’t mean anything if we can’t find a way to get three more wins,” Towns said after the game. “So, we’ve just got to stick to the task at hand.”
The Knicks have now won their last three games by a total of 119 points, the largest differential over three games in playoff history.
“They’re trying to focus on the details no matter what the score is,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “They’re still trying to stay locked in. And it shows by, you know, whether we’re up double digits or not, we’re still diving on the floor for loose balls. We’re still trying to get out in transition and get to the corners to put pressure on the defense. You know, we’re still trying to play the right way.”
Paul George scored 17 points for the Sixers, with Joel Embiid adding 14 points.
“They were obviously picking us apart, moving a lot better than we were,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said.
Game 2 takes place on Wednesday night.