Karl-Anthony Towns rises to the occasion in Game 1 with Joel Embiid faltering as Knicks villain
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a strong performance in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, contributing 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in just 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid struggled offensively, scoring only 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting while facing relentless criticism from the Madison Square Garden crowd. Towns' all-around impact helped the Knicks secure a decisive victory over the 76ers.
- ▪Karl-Anthony Towns scored 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including 3-for-5 from 3-point range, with six rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in 20 minutes.
- ▪Joel Embiid scored 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting and failed to make a significant impact in the game.
- ▪The Knicks won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden, taking a 1-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers.
- ▪Towns averaged 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals in the first-round series against the Hawks.
- ▪This season, Towns averaged a career-low 13.8 field goal attempts per game, yet remains a key contributor to the Knicks' success.
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NBA New York Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns rises to the occasion in Game 1 with Joel Embiid faltering as Knicks villain By Howie Kussoy Published May 4, 2026, 11:36 p.m. ET The spotlight was on Joel Embiid from the opening tip. See Also New York Knicks Knicks’ Game 1 report card: This was vintage Jalen Brunson The first “f–k Embiid” chant came immediately afterward. Several more followed. The sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden took every opportunity to scream at the Sixers’ 7-footer, complaining when he flopped or baited a defender into a ticky-tack foul, erupting after every shot that went off-target. Even as the Knicks put away Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the crowd would not relent, letting Embiid know this was just the beginning.
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