Keep the broom handy. The Knicks will face the 76ers on Mother’s Day in Game Four of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Xfinity Mobile Arena. New York holds a commanding 3-0 series lead and sits one win away from a second straight trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Sixers, meanwhile, are desperate to extend their season, to avoid a sweep on their home floor. The Knicks have ripped through six straight playoff wins, while Philly has looked washed and pressed after tumbling with the Celtics
in the first round.
Much of the Knicks’ success has come from dominating in the paint and on the glass, repeatedly turning missed shots into crushing second-chance points. Philadelphia has struggled to match New York’s conditioning, size, and physicality for a full 48 minutes.
In Friday’s Game Three, the Knicks pulled away for a 108-94 win behind another sterling performance from Jalen Brunson, who finished with 33 points and nine assists. Mikal Bridges added 23 points while Josh Hart chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Sixers with 22 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 17 points and seven assists. Paul George piled up 15 first-quarter points before vanishing, missing his final nine shots.
The postseason has exposed Philly’s lack of depth and heavy reliance on star creation. The Cheesesteaks can still generate bursts of offense, but not for long. New York’s defense (especially the wings) has simply suffocated them.
Maxey remains the engine of Philly’s offense, but the Knicks have neutralized him effectively for most of the series. Joel Embiid continues to battle through all sorts of aches and pains, relying on flops and dirty plays to make any headway. Oubre has been one of Philadelphia’s few consistently aggressive contributors, attacking the rim and crashing the boards. George remains an aging veteran; he can light up the first quarter and then fades into the ether. Rookie VJ Edgecombe offers athleticism and defensive energy, but has been unreliable offensively.
New York looks fully in control right now. Brunson has dictated the pace of the series, Towns has turned his passing ability into a true weapon, and Bridges has stepped seamlessly into a larger defensive role, especially with OG Anunoby sidelined. Hart continues doing it all on the margins—rebounding, defending, pushing pace, and playing massive minutes without slowing down. Landry Shamet also gave the Knicks an unexpected offensive lift in Game Three off the bench.
Anunoby remains day-to-day with a hamstring strain and is unlikely to play. For Philadelphia, Embiid is expected to play despite ongoing problems with his ankle, hip, etc.
Prediction
ESPN gives New York roughly a 66% chance to close out the series. Right on. Expect the Phillies to play with desperation early, but if the Knicks continue winning the rebounding battle and forcing Maxey into difficult half-court possessions, New York should pull away again. For the Knicks to finish the sweep: keep Brunson in attack mode, keep Towns out of foul trouble, and continue turning missed shots into extra possessions. The formula has worked three straight times already.
Interesting fact: the Knicks have not completed a best-of-seven playoff sweep since 1999. Today, the fatigue factor favors New York. Philadelphia’s core players have logged enormous minutes throughout the postseason. Maxey already leads all playoff players in total minutes played, and his legs have turned to rubber in the last two fourth quarters. He’s a fine young player. He’s no Jalen Brunson. Look for Cap to lock this game down in the third quarter and a party in the fourth. New York by 15!
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (3-0) at Philadelphia 76ers (0-3)
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Place: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
TV: ABC
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
