Jalen Brunson torches 76ers as Knicks extend playoff dominance in Game 1 blowout

Key Points:

• The New York Knicks dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, winning 137-98 and marking their fourth consecutive postseason victory by 16 or more points, outscoring opponents by 135 points over their last four games—the largest margin in NBA playoff history.
• Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points, shooting 12 of 18 from the field and hitting all eight free throws, while four Knicks starters scored in double figures and shot over 50% from both the field and three-point range, contributing to a team shooting percentage of 64%.
• Joel Embiid, returning after an appendectomy and limited to 25 minutes, struggled against the Knicks' defense, scoring 14 points on 3 of 11 shooting, while the 76ers as a team shot just 41% and were outrebounded 39-28.
• The 76ers appeared fatigued after their grueling seven-game series win over the Boston Celtics, with key players like Tyrese Maxey underperforming, and will need to regroup quickly ahead of Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday night.