Jalen Brunson delivered a masterful performance with 38 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime, to lead the New York Knicks to a 125-119 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. The win improved New York’s record to 27-15, solidifying their standing in the Eastern Conference.
Josh Hart recorded his 11th career triple-double with 10 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists, playing a pivotal role in the Knicks’ victory. Mikal Bridges added 23 points, and OG Anunoby contributed 17 as New York secured a hard-fought win in the rematch of last year’s playoff series.
Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 33 points, while Paul George contributed 26 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Philadelphia dropped to 15-24 on the season.
Both teams were without their All-Star centers. Joel Embiid missed his sixth straight game with a left foot sprain, while Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined for the Knicks due to a right thumb sprain. The absences created opportunities for others to step up, including Hart and Maxey.
The Knicks built a 16-point lead early but saw the 76ers claw their way back into the contest. Maxey’s layup with three seconds left in regulation tied the game at 113, forcing overtime. However, Brunson’s clutch scoring and Bridges’ timely three-pointers proved decisive in the extra period.
New York’s bench provided crucial support, with Miles McBride scoring 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting and Precious Achiuwa adding 10 points and six rebounds. The reserves helped the Knicks stay competitive as Philadelphia’s defense attempted to tighten late in the game.
For the 76ers, rookie Justin Edwards impressed with 10 points off the bench, while Guerschon Yabusele added nine points and five rebounds. However, the team struggled defensively, allowing the Knicks to shoot 53.5% from the field and 43.2% from beyond the arc.
The Knicks’ defensive intensity was led by Hart, who grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds and recorded four steals. Brunson and McBride also contributed on the defensive end, forcing key turnovers during overtime.
Philadelphia has now lost seven of their last nine games. Their struggles without Embiid, who has only played in 15 games alongside Maxey and George this season, have highlighted the team’s lack of depth.
