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New York Knicks Show Depth in Playoff Victory
All season long, the New York Knicks have heavily relied on the stellar performance of their guard, Jalen Brunson. However, in a pivotal playoff matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, when Brunson had an off night, his teammates stepped up to secure a crucial victory.
Josh Hart, in particular, shined by hitting a season-high four 3-pointers, with three coming in the crucial final quarter. Deuce McBride, Brunson’s backup, displayed his prowess by scoring 21 points and recording a game-best plus-37. Additionally, Mitchell Robinson made significant contributions off the bench by grabbing seven of the Knicks’ 23 offensive rebounds.
These collective efforts ultimately led to New York’s 111-104 win in the playoffs, signifying the team’s depth and resilience in the face of adversity.
Team Effort Shines Through
“It’s definitely encouraging,” remarked Hart, who matched Brunson with a team-high 22 points. “We’ve been carried by him all season. When he struggled, it was up to us to step up and perform.”
Brunson’s subpar shooting night, going 8 for 26 from the floor and 1 of 6 from beyond the arc, highlighted the importance of his teammates’ support. Despite the starters’ struggles, New York’s bench players, spearheaded by McBride and Robinson, played a pivotal role in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
New York’s head coach, Tom Thibodeau, praised the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the need to win games through different avenues when faced with challenges.
Bench Dominance and Tactical Brilliance
Throughout the game, the Knicks showcased their dominance in key areas such as rebounding and bench scoring. With a remarkable 26-8 advantage in second-chance points and a substantial 42-7 lead in bench scoring, New York outclassed the 76ers.
Despite the formidable presence of Joel Embiid on the court, Philadelphia struggled to contain New York’s bench unit, especially during crucial stretches in the second and fourth quarters. The strategic depth displayed by the Knicks ultimately proved instrumental in securing the pivotal Game 1 victory.
In essence, the Knicks’ ability to adapt and perform collectively, particularly in the absence of individual brilliance, underscored their resilience and potential for a deep playoff run.
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