Game 1 was a parade. Game 2 was a knife fight.
The Knicks beat the 76ers 108-102 at Madison Square Garden, taking a 2-0 series lead in a game that looked nothing like the opener. Philadelphia punched back, pushed the pace, and had the building sweating deep into the fourth. But when the game finally tightened into mud, New York had just enough grown-up possessions to get out alive.
Jalen Brunson scored 26, OG Anunoby added 24, and Karl-Anthony Towns gave the Knicks a massive all-around night with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges chipped in 18 on efficient shooting, while New York’s defense held Philadelphia to just 12 points in the fourth quarter.
The Sixers were much better than they were in Game 1. Tyrese Maxey scored 26, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 19, and VJ Edgecombe added 17. But “better” is not the same as “enough,” especially at the Garden, especially against a Knicks team that now seems comfortable winning both pretty and ugly.
Philadelphia made it a game. New York made it 2-0.
