Jalen Brunson’s franchise playoff-record 47 propelled the Knicks to a key 97-92 win over the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center to give them a 3-1 series lead.
Brunson – who finished with 47 points and 10 assists on 18-of-34 shooting – broke the Knicks’ record for most points in a playoff game surpassing Bernard King’s 46 against the Pistons in the first round of the 1984 postseason.
Despite scoring 48 per cent of the Knick points, several of Brunson’s teammates stepped up in other ways.
OG Anunoby had 16 points on 8-of-16 shooting to go along with 14 rebounds, three blocks, and some stellar fourth quarter defence on Joel Embiid whilst Josh Hart put up four points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in 46 minutes.
Miles McBride (13 pts, 3/5 3P) and Precious Achiuwa (7 reb, 4 blk) were both key off the bench with Donte DiVincenzo (8 pts, 3/11 FG) suffering through an off night.
The 76ers leapt out to an early, double-digit lead which they managed to regain midway through the third after a Knicks spurt.
The Knicks’ defence held the 76ers to just 16 fourth quarter points as they held on for a decisive Game 3 victory.
Tom Thibodeau’s men outrebounded Philadelphia and outscored them in the paint whilst holding them to 35.4% shooting from the floor.
Joel Embiid (27 pts, 10 reb, 6 ast, 7/19 FG) and Tyrese Maxey (23 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, 8/21 FG) combined for more than half of the 76er points.
The scene shifts back to New York on Wednesday with the Knicks looking to close the series out.
