The New York Knicks overwhelmed the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, securing a commanding victory with a score of 137-98. This game, held at Madison Square Garden on May 4, 2026, marked a dramatic shift from the Sixers’ recent success—having just rallied from a 3-1 deficit against the Boston Celtics in the previous round.
Jalen Brunson was nothing short of spectacular. He scored an impressive 35 points, leading his team with precision and poise. The Knicks showcased their depth and physicality—qualities that Quentin Grimes noted when he said, “They’re deep, they’re big, they’re pretty physical as well.” The Sixers struggled to find their rhythm, with Paul George being their top scorer at just 17 points.
Despite Joel Embiid’s presence, who managed only 14 points on a lackluster shooting performance (3-for-11), the Sixers couldn’t keep pace with New York’s offensive firepower. Tyrese Maxey added another 13 points but it wasn’t enough to make a dent in the growing deficit.
Key statistics from Game 1:
- The Knicks scored an impressive 137 points.
- The Sixers were limited to just 98 points.
- Brunson’s 35 points led all scorers.
- Paul George was the highest scorer for Philadelphia with 17 points.
- Embiid finished with 14 points, struggling to find his shot.
- Maxey contributed 13 points, but faced tough defense.
The next challenge awaits both teams as they prepare for Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. The Sixers will need to adjust their strategy significantly if they hope to turn this series around. Analysts suggest that they must keep throwing different defenders and coverages at Brunson throughout the series to stifle his impact.
This playoff series is far from over—uncertainties loom over how Philadelphia will respond after such a decisive loss. Will they find their footing and adapt? Only time will reveal whether they can bounce back against a formidable Knicks squad eager to capitalize on their momentum.