With OG Anunoby sidelined due to a hamstring issue, Miles McBride earned his second consecutive start for the New York Knicks’ decisive match against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
Seizing the chance, McBride propelled the Knicks to an unprecedented three-point shooting display in a dominant Game 4 triumph. The Knicks secured a resounding 144-114 win, sweeping their opponents and progressing to the Eastern Conference finals.
McBride connected on all four of his three-point attempts in the opening quarter, as the Knicks initiated the game with a collective 11-for-13 performance from deep. By the break, McBride had sunk 6 of 7 three-pointers, accumulating a game-leading 20 points. The Knicks, as a unit, had converted 18 of 29 attempts.
New York’s 11 three-pointers in the first quarter and 18 by halftime matched NBA playoff records. With an 81-57 advantage, the Knicks were just 24 minutes shy of securing a berth in the Eastern Conference finals.
Post-halftime, New York maintained its relentless intensity, preventing any potential comeback from the 76ers.
Concluding the contest, the Knicks had converted 25 of 44 three-point attempts, equaling the record for the highest number of three-pointers by one team in a playoff match. Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena resonated with “let’s go Knicks” chants as time expired.
McBride concluded with a game-best 25 points, adding 4 rebounds and a steal. His shooting percentage was 7 of 10 overall and 7 of 9 from beyond the arc. He was among four Knicks who made at least four three-pointers with over 50% accuracy from long range.
Jalen Brunson contributed 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, making 6 of 10 three-point attempts. Josh Hart registered 17 points and 9 rebounds, converting 4 of 6 from downtown. Landry Shame added 12 points as a reserve, hitting 4 of 6 from three-point range.
The Knicks are set to progress to the Eastern Conference finals, where they will face either the Detroit Pistons or the Cleveland Cavaliers. This advancement comes on the heels of a seven-game winning streak, establishing them as arguably the postseason’s most formidable squad. Their ambition is to reach their inaugural NBA Finals appearance since their defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
New York will also benefit from a period of rest and recuperation before their subsequent series, which is favorable for Anunoby. The Knicks’ forward sustained a hamstring strain late in Game 2 and has consequently been absent for two consecutive matches.
The Knicks had previously described his status as “day-to-day,” and he was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game before being officially ruled out just hours prior to the start. There is definite hope for his recovery in time for the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals.
The contest between the Pistons and Cavaliers is guaranteed to extend to at least Game 5. Cleveland mounted a comeback to secure Game 3 on Saturday and will enter Game 4 at their home venue trailing 2-1 in the series.
Further developments on this story are anticipated.
