Knicks Dismantle the Sixers in Game 1, Win by 39

(N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg)

Fresh off a decisive first-round victory over Atlanta, the Knicks entered the second round riding a wave of momentum. While every other Eastern Conference first-round series was pushed to seven games, New York enjoyed a significant advantage—optimal time to rest, recover, and game plan for the next round. 

New York Knicks: Rested and Ready

The Knicks starters thrived vs. Philly in Game 1. The Knicks as a team shot 63% from the field, including 51% from three. Jalen Brunson started the game hot with 27 points in the first half. Brunson was guarded by Dyson Daniels in the first round, who was on the first team all-defensive team in the '24/'25 season. Brunson goes from Daniels in the first round to a combination of rookie VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. Brunson has a far more favorable matchup against Philly, which resulted in his stellar game 1 performance. 

OG Anunoby has been the Knicks' most consistent performer on both ends of the floor this postseason. In Game 1, he poured in 18 points on a blistering 87% shooting from the field, continuing a playoff run that has seen him knock down nearly 60% of his three-point attempts. Defensively, Anunoby has been the anchor of a stifling Knicks unit, bringing the intensity and discipline that defines his game every night. He is New York's X-factor—when OG is playing well, the Knicks become a nightmare to gameplan against.

New York's defensive effort in Game 1 was nothing short of impressive, effectively neutralizing Philadelphia's two biggest weapons. Despite getting the Knicks' frontcourt into foul trouble early, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid combined for just 27 points—a testament to New York's defensive discipline and scheme. Moving forward, staying out of foul trouble will be the critical factor for the Knicks in this series. If New York can continue to contest shots without reaching, force Embiid and Maxey into uncomfortable looks, and keep their bigs on the floor, this Sixers offense will have no answers.

Knicks Playing with Purpose

The Knicks have been playing like a real title contender and favorite in the East. The Knicks game plan switched from “Brunson Ball” or running the offense entirely through Jalen Brunson to using Karl-Anthony Towns as the anchor on offense. This has completely changed the Knicks' offense. Towns' versatility on offense is helping take pressure off Jalen Brunson to score the ball. Towns recorded two triple-doubles in the first round vs. Atlanta, becoming the first Knick since Walt Frazier to record two or more triple-doubles in the playoffs. 

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Knicks are the favorites to go to the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference. This would be the Knicks' first Finals appearance since 1999. After Boston blew a 3-1 lead to the Sixers, it opened up a real possibility for the Knicks to win the East. 

The Knicks look to take a 2-0 series lead in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

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