Heroes, zeros from Knicks’ Game 1 rout of 76ers: Philly needs more from Joel Embiid
The New York Knicks dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their playoff series, winning 137-98 at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points, including 27 in the first half, while Joel Embiid struggled with just 14 points and a minus-24 rating. OG Anunoby also shined for New York, scoring 18 points on efficient shooting as the Knicks set a franchise playoff record with a 63.1% field goal percentage.
- ▪Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, with 27 coming in the first half, on 18 shot attempts with only six misses.
- ▪Joel Embiid recorded only 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting and was a minus-24 in 25 minutes of play.
- ▪OG Anunoby made 7 of 8 shots for 18 points and has shot 23-for-30 over his last three games.
- ▪The Knicks achieved a 63.1% field goal percentage, setting a new franchise record for playoff games.
- ▪Embiid was exploited defensively as the Knicks used him in pick-and-roll actions, leading to numerous open shots.
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NBA New York Knicks Heroes, zeros from Knicks’ Game 1 rout of 76ers: Philly needs more from Joel Embiid By Zach Braziller Published May 4, 2026, 11:19 p.m. ET Heroes and zeros from the Knicks’ 137-98 Game 1 decimation of the 76ers on Monday night at the Garden: Hero Freed from the clutches of Hawks defensive ace Dyson Daniels, Jalen Brunson terrorized the 76ers. He scored 27 of his 35 points in the first half and missed only six shots in 18 attempts. It was reminiscent of Brunson’s postseason brilliance two years ago against the 76ers, when he averaged 35.5 points in the series victory. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11 drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George #8 defends.
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