Jalen Brunson, Knicks Celebrated by NBA Fans After Eliminating Joel Embiid, 76ers
May 3, 2024
An exhilarating and pulsating playoff series reached a frenetic finish Thursday as the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 118-115 in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup, clinching a 4-2 series victory.
Jalen Brunson paced New York with 41 points, including 14 in the final 6:25 of regulation. He also dished 12 assists, with his final one going to Josh Hart for a three-pointer to give New York the lead for good at 114-111 with 26 seconds left.
Philadelphia center Joel Embiid responded with a layup, giving him 39 points (and 13 rebounds) on the evening.
It was a free throw show from there, with Knicks wing Donte DiVincenzo hitting two before 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey made a pair. Brunson then connected on two free throws for a 118-115 edge with eight seconds remaining. A desperation game-tying three-point attempt from Buddy Hield then missed the mark, sending New York to the second round.
This was been a phenomenal and tightly contested series to say the least, with fantastic individual performances and instant classic games dotting the matchup. Examples include Hart's three-point dominance in Game 1, the bewildering Game 2 finish, Embiid's 50-point outburst in Game 3, Brunson's 47-point afternoon in Game 4 and Maxey putting Philadelphia on his back to take Game 5.
Game 6 was no exception, with a Brunson vs. Embiid duel taking place amid a seesaw matchup. New York led by as many as 22 points in the first quarter, but the 76ers stormed back to take a 54-51 halftime lead thanks largely to Buddy Hield, who made five three-pointers by intermission.
Philadelphia even took a 10-point lead in the third, but the Knicks starting hitting their shots again and tied the game at 83 to go into the fourth quarter after an OG Anunoby three:
New York held the upper hand for much of the fourth and took a 109-101 lead with 2:43 left after an Anunoby dunk.
But Philadelphia responded with a 10-2 run to tie the game at 111 following a Maxey three-point play.
Hart then hit the biggest shot of the Knicks' season, and now New York has made the second round of the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 2000.
Obviously, Brunson has been the catalyst for the Knicks' success thanks to his historic outings.
Afterward, fans and analysts praised Brunson and the Knicks for a tremendous outing.
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwaniLETS GOOOO KNICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br><br>F me. I can't breathe. That was way too stressful. <br><br>But man it feels good. What a series. Respect, Philly. <br><br>But let's go Knicks!!!!!!!!!! I have lost my mind. <a href="https://t.co/oSBo7fgpyN">pic.twitter.com/oSBo7fgpyN</a>
Jerry O'Connell @MrJerryOCIf you are on the West Coast and like The Knicks, <a href="https://twitter.com/33TapsSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@33TapsSL</a> is the spot. Good Game <a href="https://twitter.com/Philly_Mays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Philly_Mays</a> <a href="https://t.co/TNSxleoV7v">pic.twitter.com/TNSxleoV7v</a>
Robert Griffin III @RGIIIJalen Brunson was SPECTACULAR with 41 points and 12 assists. Divincenzo cooked with FIVE 3's. But the Knicks don't advance to the 2nd round without Josh Hart's 16 pts-14 rebs Double Double and clutch 3 in the end. The <a href="https://twitter.com/nyknicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyknicks</a> are feeling DANGEROUS and their fans deserve this. <a href="https://t.co/fBT5zfcGyy">pic.twitter.com/fBT5zfcGyy</a>
John Schmeelk @SchmeelkJalen Brunson is a true superstar that carries the team with his immense skill but so much of the team's character comes from the guys around him & how hard they play. They are all junkyard dogs. They don't quit. They makes some big plays but all the little ones. Special group.
New York will now play the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 1 will take place in New York on Monday evening.