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The New York Knicks opened the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 137-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, extending a historic postseason run built on efficiency and balance.
OG Anunoby pointed directly to ball movement as the foundation of that success, saying, “That’s just people sharing the ball, moving the ball, playing fast.”
New York shot 63% from the field and assisted on 34 baskets, a reflection of the multi-action offense Anunoby described after finishing with 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting.
That offensive rhythm has coincided with a dominant stretch, as the Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three straight playoff games by at least 25 points.
The surge began after trailing 2-1 in the first round against Atlanta, and Anunoby framed the turnaround as a product of long-term development.
“Just the process of the year, it’s all gone and now we’re trying to continue to get better and better,” he said.
New York’s starting unit again showed balance, with Jalen Brunson scoring 35 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 17 each.
Anunoby emphasized that the roster’s versatility is creating matchup problems across the floor.
“We’re a real team with threats all over the place, so it’s very hard to guard,” he said.
The Knicks built a 74-51 halftime lead behind Brunson’s 27 first-half points and never allowed Philadelphia to recover.
Even with the lopsided margin, the forward stressed that improvement remains the focus heading into Game 2.
“So we should keep getting better, keep continuing to do what we’ve been doing,” he said.
Defensively, New York held the 76ers to 41% shooting and forced difficult looks from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who combined to shoot 6-for-20 from the field.
Anunoby credited both scheme and execution for the defensive consistency.
“I think it’s equally both of them,” he said. “Room to improve, always be better, clean things up.”
The Knicks have now won four straight playoff games by a combined 135 points, including a 140-89 closeout win over Atlanta in the previous round.
That margin reflects not only scoring efficiency but also defensive control, a combination Anunoby believes can still reach another level.
“So just watch the film, review, and then we play better,” he said.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in New York before the series shifts to Philadelphia, where the 76ers will look to respond after a one-sided opener.
