Knicks bury 76ers 144-114 to complete sweep into East finals for 2nd straight year

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The New York Knicks made a statement in Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers, sweeping the second-round series with a dominant 144-114 victory. Led by Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Deuce McBride, the Knicks tied an NBA postseason record with 25 3-pointers, showcasing their offensive firepower.

Deuce McBride, filling in for the injured OG Anunoby, had a standout performance with seven 3-pointers and 25 points. Brunson contributed 22 points, while Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 each. The Knicks’ margin of victory in the playoffs stands at 19.4 points per game, the largest since 1984 when the postseason format was expanded to 16 teams.

Head coach Mike Brown praised his team’s focus and effort, crediting their seven straight playoff wins to their attention to detail. The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive season and await the winner of the Cleveland-Detroit series.

The atmosphere at the Sixers’ arena was electric, with Knicks fans out in full force, waving brooms and “Always Knicks” towels. The team’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc set the tone early in Game 4, with McBride hitting four consecutive 3-pointers in the first quarter. New York tied an NBA record with 11 3-pointers in the opening period.

The Knicks continued their hot shooting, totaling 18 3-pointers in the first half alone. Their offensive onslaught overwhelmed the Sixers, building an insurmountable lead by halftime. The second half was a mere formality as the Knicks cruised to victory and secured their first series sweep since 1999.

Despite a solid effort from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers fell short and were eliminated from the playoffs. Embiid reflected on his health struggles throughout the season but remains optimistic about his future.

As the Knicks celebrate their success, the Sixers face a disappointing end to their season. The presence of former first-round picks Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet on the Knicks’ roster adds insult to injury for Philadelphia.

In conclusion, the New York Knicks’ dominant performance in Game 4 showcased their offensive prowess and determination to reach the NBA Finals. With a strong team effort and sharpshooting from beyond the arc, the Knicks are poised to make a deep playoff run under coach Mike Brown’s guidance.