The Knicks did not just close out the 76ers. They turned Game 4 into a three-point fireworks show and made Philadelphia sit through the grand finale.
New York beat the Sixers 144-114 on Sunday, sweeping the second-round series and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season. The Knicks tied an NBA playoff record with 25 made threes, including 18 in the first half.
Deuce McBride, starting in place of the injured OG Anunoby, poured in 25 points and hit seven threes. Jalen Brunson added 22 points in just 28 minutes, while Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 17 apiece.
Philadelphia had no real answer. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 41 points, but the Sixers were buried early and trailed 81-57 at halftime. By the time Knicks fans started making themselves heard in Philadelphia, the night had fully crossed from playoff game into takeover.
For New York, this was not just a win. It was a statement with confetti attached. Seven straight playoff wins. Back-to-back conference finals. A road closeout that looked less like survival and more like demolition.
The Knicks are not sneaking up on anyone anymore.
They are arriving loudly.
