Knicks secure 2-0 series lead over 76ers as Anunoby injury looms over Game 3
The Knicks defeated Philadelphia in a game featuring 25 lead changes, with Mikal Bridges stepping up while OG Anunoby's status remains uncertain following a late injury.
The New York Knicks have secured a 2-0 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers following Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The contest was defined by its competitive nature, recording 25 lead changes, the highest number in a playoff fixture since 2015. Despite the back-and-forth nature of the match, New York emerged victorious to move the series back to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday.
However, the win is complicated by the fact that Knicks forward OG Anunoby suffered a leg injury late in the fourth quarter with 2:31 remaining. Anunoby left the court with the Knicks up by six and did not return, leaving his availability for the upcoming game uncertain. Head coach Mike Brown confirmed that Anunoby was in discomfort but offered no further update on his status post-game, noting that the player was unavailable to reporters immediately after the contest.
In Anunoby's absence, guard Miles McBride expressed confidence in stepping up to fill the void. McBride stated he feels extremely comfortable with the coaching staff and teammates, indicating readiness to assume a larger role if Anunoby is sidelined. While the specific timeline for Anunoby's return is unknown, the Knicks will certainly miss his efficiency, having outscored opponents by an average of 14.75 points per game when he was on the floor during the series.
Mikal Bridges delivered a strong all-around performance to help secure the victory, recording 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Bridges hit a crucial step-back jumper from 20 feet to extend the lead with three minutes remaining, marking his third consecutive game with a significant impact on the result. His defensive efforts were also instrumental in limiting Sixers star Tyrese Maxey to just seven points in the second half, despite Maxey scoring 19 points in the first half.
Maxey reported a finger injury sustained in the second quarter, which the Knicks capitalised on defensively. The 76ers struggled in the final period, shooting 4-for-19, with Maxey and Paul George combining for only two shots made out of twelve attempts in the fourth quarter. Bridges and the rest of the Knicks received credit for their defensive intensity, which forced Philadelphia into a difficult shooting contest down the stretch.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly to the Knicks' balanced offensive effort, recording his 13th career playoff double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Anunoby, and Towns combined for 90 points in the game, with Towns also adding seven assists. The victory sets up a challenging home-and-home series, with the next contest scheduled in Philadelphia where the visitors will face the challenge of playing in front of a home crowd.
