The New York Knicks won Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 on May 4, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. The victory marked their fourth consecutive blowout win in the playoffs.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points, contributing significantly to their historic shooting performance. The Knicks had an effective field goal percentage of 74.4%, which ranks as the third-highest in NBA playoff history.
The game was part of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks established dominance early, leading by 23 points at halftime. They scored 14 points in six consecutive possessions during the first quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Paul George of the Sixers acknowledged the Knicks’ strong performance, stating, “We had breakdowns tonight, but they also shot the [snot] out of the ball.” Nick Nurse added, “They had it going. They’re a great team, and they were really great tonight.” The Sixers’ defense was described as their worst of the season.
The Knicks previously advanced to the Conference Finals last year after defeating the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. This victory sets a promising tone for their postseason journey.
The game was broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, allowing fans to follow along with this thrilling matchup.
The next game is crucial for both teams as they aim to gain momentum in this series.