Jalen Brunson Scores 47 Points, Knicks Overwhelm 76ers In Playoff Thriller

Jalen Brunson, after notching the highest-ever NBA playoff scoring display by a New York Knicks player with 47 points, was more captivated by the overwhelming support from the Knicks’ fans rather than his personal triumph.

These fans filled the Philadelphia arena, overshadowing the home crowd and even Joel Embiid, a standout on the opposing team.

“The Philadelphia fanbase is, I said this before, they’re very relentless and very passionate. I mean, I’m an Eagles fan, I would know,” Brunson remarked, reflecting his connections to Philadelphia from his collegiate days at Villanova.

Brunson’s impressive tally, which included 10 assists, secured the Knicks a 97-92 victory over the 76ers on Sunday, moving them to a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. This performance topped his previous high-scoring playoff games of 41 points.

Embiid, affected by the vocal support for Brunson, expressed his disappointment. “I love our fans but it was unfortunate. I’m not calling them out, but it is disappointing,” he said. He added, “But never seen it [like Sunday] and I’ve been here for 10 years. Yeah, kind of [ticks] me off, especially because Philly is considered a sports town, so… I don’t think that should happen. It’s not OK.”

OG Anunoby also stood out, contributing 16 points and 14 rebounds, and taking on some of the defensive duties against Embiid in the critical fourth quarter. The Knicks now stand one victory away from progressing to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second year running.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team’s strategic approach to rebounds, which played a significant role in their win. “So we understand how important that is,” Thibodeau noted, underlining the 52-42 rebound advantage they held over the 76ers.

Embiid, who has been managing complications from a surgically repaired knee and Bell’s palsy, played the entire second half, ending with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Tyrese Maxey added 23 points for the 76ers, who now face a crucial challenge to remain in the series.

Injuries forced the Knicks to adjust, with the team missing backup center Mitchell Robinson and losing Bojan Bogdanovic early in the game due to injury. Despite these setbacks, the team persevered, with significant minutes and efforts from Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Brunson.

As the Knicks look forward to the next game on their home court, their recent performance, driven by Brunson’s record-setting night and strong fan support, positions them well for potentially clinching the series.