🚨 Knicks Complete Stunning Sweep of 76ers with Historic 144-114 Victory — Headed Back to the Eastern Conference Finals 🏀🔥

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🚨 Knicks Complete Stunning Sweep of 76ers with Historic 144-114 Victory — Headed Back to the Eastern Conference Finals 🏀🔥

The New York Knicks are heading back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers with a commanding 144-114 victory on Sunday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. With the win, the Knicks have outscored their postseason opponents by an average of 19.4 points per game, marking the largest differential by any team entering the conference finals since the NBA expanded to 16 playoff teams in 1983-84.

The Knicks made history in the opening quarter, draining 11 three-pointers — an NBA postseason record — and continued their offensive barrage with 18 threes in the first half, tying the all-time single-game record for any half in NBA history. Their 144 points set a franchise playoff record, further solidifying their dominance in the series.

Unlike the emotionally charged victory over the Boston Celtics in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, the mood in the Knicks’ locker room was calm and businesslike.

“No relief, no jubilation. Just another step in the process,” said forward Josh Hart. “Here, it’s business as usual, and we gotta make sure we’re locked in and focused.”

Hart also took a swipe at the home crowd, which was noticeably overwhelmed by Knicks supporters, a reflection of the team’s strong presence in Philadelphia. Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges all played college basketball at Villanova in nearby Philadelphia.

“I used to think Philly was a sports town. I don’t know if it is anymore,” Hart remarked. “It never felt like a road game.”

76ers guard Tyrese Maxey also commented on the atmosphere, admitting the crowd’s energy felt more supportive of the Knicks than his own team. “It absolutely sucks,” Maxey said. “It felt louder in here for them than it did in the Garden.”

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 22 points, including six three-pointers, and averaged 29 points per game in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns, despite facing consistent foul trouble, made his presence felt with 7.5 assists per game from the center position.

Miles McBride, filling in for the injured OG Anunoby, played a pivotal role, hitting seven three-pointers, including three straight in the record-setting first quarter. The Knicks will now await the winner of the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers series, giving Anunoby additional time to recover from a right hamstring strain.

“We’re not just happy to be here; our expectations are a championship, nothing less,” McBride stated, setting the tone for the Knicks’ mindset moving forward.

5/12/2026

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