A Hard-Fought Victory in New York
Unlike their recent string of dominant victories, Wednesday night’s contest between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers was a nail-biter. The Knicks managed to secure a 108-102 win in a physical Game 2, extending their playoff winning streak to five games and putting them firmly in control of the series with a 2-0 lead. However, the triumph came with a potential setback, as OG Anunoby exited the game late in the fourth quarter with an injury.
The End of a Dominant Run
Coming into the game, New York had won its previous four outings by a combined margin of 135 points. This game was a stark departure from that trend. The 76ers, playing without the injured Joel Embiid, remained competitive throughout, entering the final frame with a narrow 90-89 advantage. The game featured 25 lead changes—the highest number in a playoff matchup since 2015—before the Knicks finally pulled ahead for good after a Jalen Brunson jumper with 5:06 remaining.
Anunoby’s Status in Question
The closing minutes were marred by concern for forward OG Anunoby, who gestured to the bench to be removed from the court. He did not return for the remainder of the game. Following the conclusion of the match, head coach Mike Brown indicated that there was no immediate update on the severity of the injury. His availability for Friday's Game 3 will be a critical factor for New York moving forward.
Philadelphia’s Adjustments and Offensive Struggles
Without Joel Embiid, the 76ers played with a noticeably different pace. Tyrese Maxey stepped up to orchestrate the offense, but the Knicks' depth proved to be the deciding factor. Four different New York players finished with 18 or more points, effectively spreading the workload. Conversely, Philadelphia’s momentum was hampered by 18 turnovers, which proved costly in the final minutes.
Jalen Brunson once again led the charge for New York with 26 points and 6 assists, despite a challenging night from the field. Mikal Bridges contributed 18 points on efficient shooting, while Anunoby added 24 points and 4 steals before his departure.
Towns Overcomes Foul Trouble
Karl-Anthony Towns navigated significant early foul trouble, which limited his first-half playing time to just eight minutes. Nevertheless, he proved highly effective, recording 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in only 27 minutes of action. While the Knicks struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 7 of 26 attempts, they maintained a 50.6% shooting percentage from the field and capitalized on their free-throw opportunities.
For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey matched Brunson with 26 points, though he struggled with efficiency and turnovers. Paul George, who started strong, saw his production taper off as the game progressed, finishing with 19 points. The series now shifts to Philadelphia, where the 76ers face a must-win situation in Game 3 to keep their postseason hopes alive.