Brunson Drops 35, Knicks Rout 76ers 137-98 Sport By lines May 4, 2026 The NBA playoffs East semifinals opened Monday with the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and a 39-point margin. New York Knicks defeated Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 is Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. Brunson Commands the Garden Jalen Brunson scored 35 points for the New York Knicks on 12-for-18 shooting in 31 minutes of play. Brunson recorded 14 of the Knicks' first 21 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the first quarter. The New York Knicks led by 23 points at halftime and never let the Philadelphia 76ers challenge the lead. New York played 11 rotation players to Philadelphia's shorter bench. Joel Embiid scored 14 points for the Philadelphia 76ers on 3-for-11 shooting. Tyrese Maxey added 13 points on 3-for-9 from the field for Philadelphia. Paul George led the Philadelphia 76ers with 17 points on 4-for-6 from three-point range. VJ Edgecombe fouled out of the game early, picking up his third foul in the second quarter. The Philadelphia 76ers completed a historic 3-1 comeback over the Boston Celtics on May 2. Joel Embiid scored 34 points in that Game 7 win at TD Garden. The Philadelphia 76ers played their third game in six days entering Monday's contest at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. Related Sports Coverage 76ers vs Knicks Game 1: Embiid Brings Momentum to MSG 76ers Stun Celtics in Game 7 to Complete 3-1 Comeback Luka Doncic Won't Play Game 1 vs Thunder Sources: NBC Sports Philadelphia.
