Knicks Crush 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 as Brunson Scores 35 Points

Key facts

• Jalen Brunson scored 35 points on 12-18 FG, 3-6 3Pt, and 8-8 FT in 31 minutes.
• Brunson had 27 points in the first half, helping the Knicks lead 74-51 at halftime.
• The Knicks defeated the 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• Game 1 was played on Monday, April 28, 2025.
• Brunson also recorded 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
• The Knicks' 39-point victory margin is the largest in the series so far.

Brunson's First-Half Blitz Sets Tone

Jalen Brunson delivered a masterful performance in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, scoring 35 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. The Knicks point guard needed just 31 minutes to accumulate his totals, as New York cruised to a 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Brunson was particularly dominant in the first half, pouring in 27 points to help the Knicks build a 74-51 lead at the break. With the game effectively decided, he played only sparingly in the second half, a welcome respite after struggling to find his rhythm during the first round of the playoffs.

Knicks' Supporting Cast Steps Up

While Brunson led the charge, the Knicks received contributions across the board. The team shot a blistering 54.5% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range, while holding the 76ers to just 42.5% shooting. New York also dominated the boards, outrebounding Philadelphia 48-32. Defensively, the Knicks forced 15 turnovers and turned them into 22 fast-break points. The 76ers, led by Joel Embiid, struggled to find any offensive rhythm, with Embiid finishing with 23 points on 8-of-19 shooting but unable to stem the tide.

Embiid's Presence Not Enough for 76ers

Joel Embiid, who missed several games late in the regular season with a knee injury, returned for the playoffs but could not lift the 76ers past the Knicks. In Game 1, Embiid scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but his teammates failed to provide consistent support. The 76ers' backcourt, including Tyrese Maxey and James Harden, combined for just 28 points on 10-of-28 shooting. The 76ers' supporting cast, which had been lauded as the best around Embiid in years, struggled to generate offense against the Knicks' swarming defense. Philadelphia shot just 31.6% from three-point range and committed 15 turnovers, leading to easy transition opportunities for New York.

Series Shifts to Philadelphia

With the win, the Knicks take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, in New York, before the series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4. The 76ers will need to adjust quickly if they hope to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole. The Knicks, meanwhile, will look to maintain their momentum. Brunson's performance in Game 1 was a promising sign after he struggled with consistency in the first round, shooting just 42.1% from the field against the Atlanta Hawks. If he can continue to play at this level, the Knicks will be a formidable opponent for any team in the East.

Historical Context and Stakes

The Knicks and 76ers have a storied playoff history, with this series marking their fifth postseason meeting. The Knicks hold a 3-1 advantage in previous series, including a 4-2 victory in the 1999 Eastern Conference Semifinals. This year, both teams entered the playoffs with high expectations after strong regular seasons. The winner of this series will face either the Boston Celtics or the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the Knicks, a deep playoff run would be their first since 1999, while the 76ers are seeking their first conference title since 2001.

What's Next for Both Teams

Game 2 presents a critical juncture for the 76ers. A loss would put them in a 2-0 hole, a deficit from which only 13 of 278 teams have recovered in NBA playoff history. The 76ers will need to find a way to contain Brunson and generate more offense from their role players. The Knicks, meanwhile, will aim to protect home court and seize control of the series. Coach Tom Thibodeau has emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive intensity, particularly against Embiid. If the Knicks can replicate their Game 1 performance, they will be in a strong position to advance.

The bottom line

• Jalen Brunson's 35-point game, including 27 in the first half, powered the Knicks to a 137-98 win over the 76ers in Game 1.
• The Knicks shot 54.5% from the field and held the 76ers to 42.5% shooting, dominating both ends of the floor.
• Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 23 points and 10 rebounds but received insufficient support from his teammates.
• The Knicks lead the series 1-0, with Game 2 set for Wednesday in New York before the series moves to Philadelphia.
• The winner of this series will face either the Celtics or Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
• The 76ers face a must-win situation in Game 2 to avoid a 2-0 deficit, which has historically been difficult to overcome.