It wasn’t pretty, but ugliness sometimes happens, and that’s exactly why Jalen Brunson exists.
Despite leading big for most of the game, the Philadelphia 76ers roared back in the fourth quarter. In fact, they held a four-point lead with just 2:42 remaining in regulation.
Feb. 26, 2025: Final
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Fortunately for the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson decided to take over the game. After tying the game with a wonky scoop layup on the left side, he drilled a confident elbow-extended three that rocked Madison Square Garden.
From that point, New York took control of the game with stout defense and near-perfect free-throw shooting.
Brunson, 28, finished with a team-high 34 points on 8 of 17 shooting (3-5 from three) to go with 7 assists. He also scored 11 of the Knicks’ final 13 points.
Tom Thibodeau’s team needed their point guard in this one. Big man Karl-Anthony Towns missed the game due to his recent knee injury.
The Knicks led by 12 at halftime, but Philadelphia fought back a bit in the third quarter (outscoring New York by 7), and they went nuts in the final frame. Tyrese Maxey’s layup at the 3:59 mark in the fourth gave the Sixers their first lead of the game (97-96), but the Knicks ultimately fought back.
Speaking of Maxey, he poured in a team-high 30 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 27, while Paul George finished with 25.
For the home team, Mikal Bridges supported Brunson all night. He finished with 28 points, 19 of which came in the first quarter. Mr. Ironman, Josh Hart, led the way with an absurd 17 rebounds.
The now-38-21 New York Knicks turn their attention to a Friday night road game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
