An imperial Jalen Brunson propels the Knicks against the Sixers (2-0)

The New York Knicks struck first and now lead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The New York team defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in a much closer game than the first one, thanks to the leadership of Jalen Brunson in the decisive minutes.

After the decisive 137-98 Game 1, this time the match was marked by absolute equality. There were 25 lead changes —the highest figure in a playoff game in the last 11 years— and 14 ties, with neither franchise gaining advantages greater than seven points.

In that scenario, Brunson emerged. The point guard finished with 26 points and took responsibility when the ball was hottest. With the game tied, he scored the basket that broke the tie with 5:06 remaining and then punished again with another shot to make it 103-99 with 3:45 left. Shortly after, Mikal Bridges extended the lead to six points, which proved to be decisive.

"The most important thing is to stay calm and composed. Play by play and not look too far ahead," explained Brunson after the game.

Mike Brown also highlighted his star's performance in the decisive stretch: "They started changing on defense and he found his positions to score. That's what we expect from him."

OG Anunoby contributed 24 points for a Knicks team that continues to show enormous solidity in these playoffs, although the small forward had to leave the game in the final minutes and did not return to the bench. The New York coach later stated that he had no updates on his condition.

Karl-Anthony Towns once again proved pivotal with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Bridges added 18 points and was key defensively against Tyrese Maxey in the second half.

The Sixers, playing without Joel Embiid, offered a very different image from the first game. The Cameroonian center was out due to discomfort in his right hip and ankle after waking up sore and unable to complete the morning session.

Best of the Sixers

Nevertheless, Philadelphia came very close to taking the victory. Tyrese Maxey led the attack with 26 points after his discreet debut in the series and had a spectacular first half with 19 points, 15 of them in the second quarter. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. each added 19 points, while VJ Edgecombe finished with 17.

The Sixers managed to reach 99-96 after a three-pointer by Oubre, but Josh Hart immediately responded from beyond the arc despite having suffered discomfort in his left hand or wrist during the third quarter.

"I think we had four completely open shots in a row that didn't go in. We ran a great attack, just didn't score," lamented Nick Nurse.

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