The New York Knicks opened their first-round playoff series with a high-intensity 111–104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Fueled by clutch performances and a gritty second-half surge, the Knicks now lead the series 1–0 and have set the tone for what promises to be a fierce Eastern Conference battle. Let’s take a closer look at the highs and lows of the 76ers vs Knicks match player stats.
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Game Recap: Momentum Swings & Key Quarters
The game was a rollercoaster from the jump. The 76ers came out strong, riding the energy of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid to a 34–25 first-quarter lead. Philadelphia’s defense was sharp early, and they appeared in control.
But the second quarter belonged entirely to the Knicks. Led by Miles McBride and Josh Hart, New York unleashed a 33–12 run, flipping the game on its head and taking a 58–46 lead into halftime. The Garden crowd roared as the Knicks found their rhythm.
The third quarter saw the 76ers respond in a big way. Embiid returned from a brief injury scare and, along with Maxey, helped Philadelphia storm back with a 36–21 quarter, reclaiming the lead at 82–79 heading into the fourth.
Then, in classic playoff fashion, it came down to the final minutes. McBride hit a tiebreaking floater with just over eight minutes remaining, and the Knicks never trailed again. Timely threes by Hart and OG Anunoby sealed the win down the stretch.
76ers Vs Knicks Match Player Stats Comparison
| Category | 76ers | Knicks |
| Field Goal % | 44.2% | 39.0% |
| 3-Point % | 34.4% | 45.7% |
| Free Throw % | 91.3% | 82.1% |
| Total Rebounds | 33 | 55 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 9 | 23 |
| Bench Points | 7 | 42 |
Despite shooting a lower overall percentage from the field, the Knicks dominated on the glass, particularly on the offensive end. Their bench unit was also the difference-maker, outscoring the Sixers’ reserves by 35 points.
Top Players Highlights
New York Knicks
- Josh Hart: Hart was everywhere. He scored 22 points, grabbed a playoff career-high 13 rebounds, and nailed crucial shots in the fourth quarter.
- Jalen Brunson: The floor general tallied 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Despite shooting just 8-of-26, Brunson’s leadership and clutch play remained impactful.
- Miles McBride: A breakout game off the bench. McBride contributed 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-7 from downtown.
- Mitchell Robinson: Quiet but crucial. He finished with 8 points, 12 boards, and 4 blocks, anchoring the paint defensively.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Tyrese Maxey: A standout performance from the 23-year-old guard, leading all scorers with 33 points on 14-of-26 shooting.
- Joel Embiid: Despite dealing with a lingering knee injury, the reigning MVP put up 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. He briefly left in the second quarter but returned in the third to keep Philly in the game.
- Kyle Lowry: The veteran guard provided a solid boost, scoring 18 points and knocking down 4 three-pointers.
Turning Points
Several pivotal moments defined the outcome:
- Second Quarter Surge: The Knicks’ 33–12 run erased Philly’s early lead and injected life into the home crowd.
- McBride’s Breakout: His momentum-shifting shot in the fourth helped New York retake control.
- Clutch Threes: Late-game triples from Hart and Anunoby kept the Sixers at bay as the clock wound down.
Next Game Preview
With Game 1 in the books, the Knicks have drawn first blood in a series that’s already living up to the hype. Game 2 will also be held at Madison Square Garden, giving New York a chance to go up 2–0 before the series shifts to Philadelphia.
Both teams will likely make adjustments — the Sixers need more bench production, while the Knicks will look to maintain their rebounding dominance and tighten up their shooting efficiency.
Conclusion
Game 1 delivered everything fans could want from a playoff opener, superstar battles, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish. The Knicks showed resilience, depth, and heart, overcoming a tough Sixers squad despite early setbacks and an MVP-caliber performance from Joel Embiid. On the flip side, Philadelphia showed they’re still dangerous, especially if Maxey and Embiid continue to perform at this level.
As the series continues, expect more fireworks. The 76ers will look to steal one on the road, while the Knicks will aim to protect home court and build a commanding lead. If this game is any indication, this could be one of the most exciting series of the first round.
