Full Breakdown
Knicks Take 2-0 Lead as Brunson’s Late Shots Seal 108-102 Win Over 76ers
5/8/2026, 12:17:48 AM
Knicks Secure 2-0 Lead with 108-102 Victory
On May 6, 2026, the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 at Madison Square Garden, moving ahead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jalen Brunson led New York with 26 points (9-of-21 shooting, 7-of-8 free throws) and six assists. The win came after a tightly contested fourth quarter in which Brunson hit a step-back jumper to put the Knicks ahead with 5:06 remaining and added a fadeaway jumper with 3:45 left to secure the lead.
Series Overview and Key Injuries
Game 1 had been a 137-98 Knicks blowout, with Joel Embiid limited to 14 points before being ruled out of Game 2 due to a right ankle sprain and hip soreness. The 76ers entered Game 2 without their MVP center. Midway through the second-half, Knicks forward OG Anunoby left the game after a dunk attempt, later diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and listed as day-to-day.
Key Performers
- Jalen Brunson – 26 points, 9-of-21 FG, 7-of-8 FT.
- OG Anunoby – 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals before exiting.
- Tyrese Maxey – 26 points for Philadelphia.
- Karl-Anthony Towns – 20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists for New York.
- VJ Edgecombe – 19 points; went 0-for-9 in the decisive fourth quarter.
- Dominick Barlow – Guarded Brunson in the second half, contributing to several defensive stops.
Game Flow and Statistics
- The contest featured 25 lead changes—the most in a playoff game in 11 years—and 14 ties.
- No team led by more than seven points at any time.
- Knicks out-scored the 76ers 56-30 in the paint.
- In the fourth quarter, New York posted 19 points on 22 possessions (second-least efficient quarter of the playoffs), while Philadelphia managed 12 points on 21 possessions (third-least efficient of their season).
- The 76ers shot 21.1 % from the floor in the fourth, including 1-for-10 from three-point range; the Knicks shot 26.3 % from three overall.
Official Statements & Responses
Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Brunson’s performance, noting it “is what he’s expected to do.” 76ers head coach Nick Nurse lamented missed opportunities, saying the team “just needed one or two” looks to stay in the game. Guard VJ Edgecombe highlighted the decisive factor: “It came down to shot-making. Brunson made a lot of tough shots towards the end. We missed wide-open ones.” After Anunoby’s exit, forward Mikal Bridges emphasized the team’s mindset: “We’ll see what it is, but next man up.”
Criticism & Opposition
The 76ers’ post-game comments underscored their inability to convert wide-open opportunities, a point echoed by Nurse. Their fourth-quarter shooting slump and failure to protect the rim allowed the Knicks to pull ahead despite a strong start.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Most importantly [was] just staying poised, staying composed, just figuring out one play at a time, one step at a time and not looking too far ahead,” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks guard
- “It’s what he’s expected to do.” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
- “I just wish that a couple of those really good [looks went in].” — Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach
- “Brunson made a lot of tough shots towards the end. We missed wide-open ones.” — VJ Edgecombe, 76ers rookie
- “We'll see what it is, but next man up.” — Mikal Bridges, Knicks forward
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Anunoby’s injury status varied across outlets: the team listed him as day-to-day without a formal diagnosis, while ESPN’s injury page automatically applied the same label. Embiid’s ailments were reported as a right ankle sprain and hip soreness, with some sources noting the hip issue may stem from a recent appendectomy, but no definitive medical clarification was provided.
What’s Next
Game 3 shifts to Philadelphia on Friday, with the Knicks holding a 2-0 advantage. Joel Embiid’s availability remains uncertain, and OG Anunoby’s day-to-day status could prompt lineup adjustments, potentially elevating Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, or Jordan Clarkson. The series now hinges on whether the Knicks can sustain their late-game execution and whether the 76ers can compensate for the loss of their star center.
