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The Knicks begin the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers.

Tipoff is 8 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden, where New York will lean on home-court advantage to get a quick start in the series.

Will the underdog Sixers give the Knicks trouble? Or will the Eastern Conference favorites make light work out of Philadelphia?

Follow The Post’s live updates for the latest NBA Playoffs news, scores and highlights.

Brown keeping his foot on the gas...

By Jake Nisse

Brown is seemingly not content with all aspects of the Knicks win, as he criticized their fouling afterwards.

It didn't wind up mattering but both Robinson and Towns found themselves in foul trouble early, while - perhaps more importantly - the Sixers shot twice as many free throws.

"It was a good game by our guys. We have to be better with our fouling."

Mike Brown starts his postgame press conference by emphasizing the need for the Knicks to be more disciplined with their fouling despite their 39-point win in Game 1: pic.twitter.com/bdmOk6Ywgh

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 5, 2026

Some perspective for the Knicks dominance...

The Knicks have played in blowouts every game dating back to Game 5 of the Atlanta series, and now we have a pretty incredible stat to put their dominance in perspective.

It's no wonder they look so fresh when their best players are able to sit more.

Knicks are first team in play by play era (since 1997) to take a lead of 30+ points in 3 straight playoff games, per @sportradar

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) May 5, 2026

Nick Nurse not encouraged

By Jake Nisse

The Sixers coach doesn't believe his team handled the Knicks' physicality well. That will be music to the ears of Towns, Anunoby, Robinson and Co after a strong defensive performance.

"I thought it was physical. I didn't think we handled it great. We're going to have to handle it better."

Nick Nurse talks about the physicality the Knicks brought to the game tonight: pic.twitter.com/AzeW4QiPM9

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 5, 2026

Knicks thrive on defense

By Jake Nisse

The 76ers missed some open looks, but the Knicks deserve credit for the job they did on defense in this one. They forced 19 turnovers, out-rebounded Philly on the defensive glass (31-20), and held Embiid and Maxey to just 14 and 13 points respectively.

If the Knicks can keep their hands active, and the Sixers out of the paint, this might be an easier series than expected.

Knicks up by 37 with 1 minute left…

And the MSG crowd is DIALED in chanting “DEFENSE” pic.twitter.com/QgOhAUhVIo

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) May 5, 2026

Knicks win 137-98!

By Jake Nisse

Philly showed some flashes early, but this one get away from them quickly as Brunson starred and Maxey and Embiid fell flat.

Towns, Anunoby and Bridges all contributed with 17+ points each, and there will be few complaints from Knicks fans tonight.

Knicks lead up 135-98

By Jake Nisse

The lead has ballooned quite a bit, even with the Knicks' reserves in during the fourth quarter.

New York hasn't really played a close game since Game 3 of the Atlanta series, and they're rolling right now.

Kolek making the most of his opportunity

By Jake Nisse

The reserve point guard has only played in this quarter, but has eight points and three assists in six minutes. Of course, he's doing this against Philly's bench, but perhaps he could carve out a few more minutes in non-garbage time this series.

TYLER KOLEK SCUBA 🤿 AFTER THE 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/9sjKtxIK7B

— Gabby Price (@gabbypricect) May 5, 2026

A great night for Jalen

By Jake Nisse

Brunson's postgame brilliance has become pretty routine at this point, but it's worth pointing out that this is his 15th 35-point playoff game with the Knicks in just his fourth season with the team.

The fact that it came in just 31 minutes, and that he'll be relatively well rested for Game 2, should be equally as troubling for Philly.

Jalen Brunson in Game 1:

35 PTS
2 STL
12-18 FG

His 15th 35-point playoff game — the most ever by a Knick. pic.twitter.com/IxEeMj555c

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 5, 2026

Benches emptied...

By Jake Nisse

Both teams have sat all of their starters to start the fourth, with Shamet, Alvarado, Clarkson, Hukporti and McBride out there for New York. It seems Philly has decided to move on to Game 2.

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