New York Knicks Dominate Philadelphia 76ers In Game 3, and Eye a Sweep Behind Jalen Brunson’s Masterclass
The Knicks moved within one win of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night, delivering a composed and disciplined 108-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3. What has defined this series is not just New York’s talent, but their control. They have been able to dictate tempo, absorb Philadelphia’s early pushes, and respond with poise.
Jalen Brunson has been the anchor of that stability, guiding an offense that rarely rushes and a defense that rarely breaks. Around him, the “Nova Knicks” core continues to elevate the team’s ceiling, while New York’s depth has consistently outperformed Philadelphia’s exhausted rotation. With a 3-0 lead and momentum firmly in their hands, the Knicks now stand on the brink of a sweep, playing their most balanced and confident basketball of the postseason.
Brunson’s Dominance
Brunson has been the driving force behind the Knicks surge, dismantling Philadelphia’s defense with precision and patience. His Game 3 performance was a masterclass in control: 33 points, 9 assists, and steady shot-making on 11-of-22 shooting, including 8-of-9 from the free-throw line.
He scored 12 fourth-quarter points, stopping every Philadelphia push before it could gain traction. Through three games, he is averaging 31.3 points, repeatedly targeting Tyrese Maxey (17 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (22 points, 8 rebounds) in isolation. His pivot work and stop-and-pop jumpers consistently neutralized the Sixers’ rim protection.
When Philadelphia sent double-teams, Brunson calmly found Mikal Bridges and Laundry Shamet for clean looks, keeping the offense balanced and in rhythm.
“Nova Knicks” Support
While Brunson set the tone, the “Nova Knicks” trio- Brunson, Bridges, and Josh Hart- supplied the backbone of New York’s Game 3 win. Bridges delivered his strongest outing of the series, scoring 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting while taking on the primary defensive assignment against Maxey. His fast-break dagger and back-to-back baskets during a late 9-0 run effectively closed the door on Philadelphia’s comeback attempt.
Hart continued to dominate the glass, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s best rebounding guards. He posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in 40 high-energy minutes, providing constant pressure in transition and on the perimeter. Together, the Villanova trio combined for 68 of New York’s 108 points, showcasing chemistry the 76ers have yet to counter.
Embiid’s Return
Joel Embiid returned after missing Game 2 with hip and ankle soreness, but he struggles to regain his MVP-level rhythm. He finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists on 6-of-17 shooting, including 1-of-5 from deep.
He opened strong with 10 first-quarter points, but fatigue became evident as the game progressed. New York’s double-teams forced him into 4 turnovers and a steady diet of contested jumpers. Though he added 2 blocks, he was often a step slow on rotations, particularly in the second half when the Knicks pulled away.
Embiid is listed as questionable for Sunday’s elimination game as he continues managing his injuries.
Knicks Bench Scoring
The Knicks’ bench proved decisive, thoroughly outplaying Philadelphia’s second unit. New York’s reserves outscored the Sixers’ bench 28-11, including a 16-0 shutout in the first half. Former 76er Shamet delivered the biggest spark, stepping up in OG Anunoby’s absence. He scored 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three, and posted a game-high +20. Entering the night, he had scored just 14 total points in the 2026 postseason.
Mitchell Robinson added 6 points, 6 rebounds, and elite rim protection, highlighted by a momentum-shifting alley-oop dunk over Embiid. Jordan Clarkson contributed 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists while stabilizing the second unit’s offense. Jose Alvarado added timely scoring and defensive pressure, including a second-quarter jumper that gave New York a lead they never surrendered.
While the 76ers leaned heavily on their starters, the Knicks’ depth allowed them to control the fourth quarter and close the game with a 23-18 advantage.
OG Anunoby’s Injury Status
Anunoby missed Game 3 with a right hamstring strain and remains day-to-day. He suffered the injury late in Game 2 after scoring 24 points. Although the MRI confirmed a minor strain, the Knicks opted for caution to avoid a long-term setback. With a 3-0 lead, the team may continue to prioritize rest to ensure he is fully healthy for a potential Eastern Conference Finals run.
Looking Ahead To Game 4
The Knicks enter Sunday’s Game 4 with a chance to complete a sweep and advance to their second straight Eastern Conference Finals. No team in NBA history has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit, and Philadelphia is fighting to avoid becoming the first team swept in the 2026 semifinals on its home court.
Brunson has scored 30+ points in all three games and has historically dominated the Sixers, averaging 35.5 points against them in previous playoff matchups. If New York closes the series on Sunday, they will face either the Detroit Pistons or the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, scheduled to begin May 19.
