Jalen Brunson scored 26 points as the New York Knicks edged the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden, taking a 2-0 series lead in a game defined by control, chaos, and constant momentum swings.
The matchup featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties, with neither side leading by more than seven points, but Brunson delivered key late buckets that stabilized New York in the closing minutes.
Asked about the defensive finish, Brunson said, “I think we made things difficult. I think they missed some good looks. So got away with a couple, but he made some shots down the stretch when we needed to and created a five or six point cushion and then just kind of kept that.”
Brunson also pointed to Mikal Bridges’ growing offensive consistency, saying, “I mean, offensively, Mikal is misleading. Obviously there’s times the ball is going in and times where it’s not. I think for him, what’s been the most consistent is his routine every day, doing things he has to do to make sure he’s ready to go. So when the ball does go in, it’s not a surprise. He works at it, that’s what he does. No surprise.”
On the game’s late-game composure, Brunson emphasized control over panic, stating, “Most importantly, just stay poised, just figuring out one play at a time, one step at a time, not looking too far ahead. And when they make a run, when they go up and want to retake the lead, just focusing and paying attention to the details and just find a way to make the next play on either side of the ball.”
Philadelphia’s physical approach and foul pressure also shaped the game, and Brunson pointed to execution details, saying, “Yeah, just the small details I’m talking about. Pay attention to them. It can be a difference maker. The small things can be a very big difference maker. So got to pay attention and just make sure we’re on the same page and focusing on game plan discipline.”
The Knicks also had to manage an injury scare when OG Anunoby exited late in the fourth quarter. Brunson kept his response brief: “Cross that bridge when we get to it. I don’t know too much.”
A lighter moment came when the ball got stuck behind the basket, with Brunson adding, “No. But we looked at each other. It’s definitely going to be on social media later.”
With the series shifting to Philadelphia, Brunson’s tone stayed centered on execution and control rather than momentum, as New York attempts to extend its postseason grip in a tightly contested matchup.
