The New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference finals after a dominant 4-0 series sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers, capped by a record-breaking performance in Game 4. The Knicks set an NBA postseason record with 11 three-pointers in the first quarter, finishing with 144-114 victory on Sunday.
Record-Breaking First Quarter
Deuce McBride led the charge with seven of New York's 25 three-pointers, tying an NBA postseason record. He scored 25 points, while Jalen Brunson added 22 points. Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns each contributed 17 points in the lopsided win. The Knicks' 11 three-pointers in the first quarter set a new league mark for most makes in a quarter during the playoffs.
Knicks Fans Take Over Philadelphia
Knicks fans once again dominated the Wells Fargo Center, waving brooms and 'Always Knicks' towels while drowning out 76ers supporters. The raucous road crowd energized New York as they raced to a 20-6 lead early in the first quarter. McBride hit four consecutive three-pointers, becoming the first Knick to achieve that feat in a playoff quarter since tracking began in 1997.
Dominant First Half
The Knicks made 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, scoring 54 points from beyond the arc compared to Philadelphia's 57 total points. They led 81-57 at halftime, marking the second time this postseason they scored 80-plus points in the first half on the road. The second half was a formality as New York cruised to their first best-of-seven series sweep since the 1999 Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta.
76ers' Disappointing End
Joel Embiid finished with 24 points and Tyrese Maxey added 17, but Philadelphia could not keep pace. The 76ers have not advanced past the second round since 2001. Adding insult to injury, two of their 2018 first-round draft picks, Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet, are still playing for the Knicks.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks will face the winner of the Cleveland-Detroit series, which the Pistons lead 2-1. New York reached the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight season after a 25-year drought ended last year. Under new coach Mike Brown, who replaced Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have won seven straight playoff games.
