Knicks Beat 76ers 108-94, Take 3-0 Series Lead

The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with Jalen Brunson leading all scorers with 33 points and adding nine assists in a poised Game 3 road performance. The win gave New York a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals series.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Philadelphia opened well and carried a 31-27 lead after one quarter. The 76ers found early offense and did enough to stay in front despite Brunson setting the tone for New York. Kelly Oubre Jr. helped keep Philadelphia moving in the opening period as the home team briefly controlled the pace.

Second Quarter

The game shifted in the second. New York outscored Philadelphia 33-21 in the quarter, turning a four-point deficit into a 60-52 halftime lead. The Knicks were more efficient on the offensive end, moved the ball consistently, and created extra opportunities at the foul line. That stretch proved to be the defining swing of the night.

Third Quarter

The teams played a relatively even third quarter, with New York holding a 25-24 edge. Philadelphia could not make a meaningful dent in the margin, while the Knicks continued to get organized half-court possessions from Brunson and solid interior work from Karl-Anthony Towns. By the end of the period, New York remained in control at 85-76.

Fourth Quarter

Any chance of a late 76ers rally faded in the final 12 minutes. The Knicks outscored Philadelphia 23-18 in the fourth and maintained separation with efficient shot-making, rebounding, and steady execution. New York closed the game without needing overtime and came away with another road playoff win.

Key Performers

Jalen Brunson, Knicks: 33 points and 9 assists, leading the offense and directing the game in key stretches.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks: 12 rebounds, giving New York a major advantage on the glass as part of a 49-33 team rebounding edge.

Kelly Oubre Jr., 76ers: 22 points and 8 rebounds, providing Philadelphia’s top scoring output.

Tyrese Maxey, 76ers: 7 assists, helping organize the offense even as the 76ers struggled to score efficiently for long stretches.

NerdSports Stat: New York won by 14 despite making the same number of 3-pointers as Philadelphia, with the difference coming from a +16 rebounding margin, a +10 edge at the free-throw line, and shooting 50.0% overall to Philadelphia’s 42.9%.

Game Analysis

This game turned on efficiency and control of the margins. The Knicks shot 50.0% from the field, compared to 42.9% for the 76ers, and they also finished with a significant advantage in rebounds, 49-33. Even though both teams made nine 3-pointers, New York generated a steadier offense inside the arc and consistently put pressure on Philadelphia’s defense.

The second quarter was especially important. After trailing by four at the end of the first, the Knicks put together a composed 33-point period and never gave the lead back. Brunson’s scoring and playmaking were central to that shift, while Towns’ work on the glass helped limit second chances for Philadelphia and extend New York possessions.

For the 76ers, the biggest issue was sustaining offense after the opening quarter. Philadelphia scored just 21 points in the second and 18 in the fourth, and the team shot 28.1% from 3-point range. Oubre’s 22 points kept the 76ers competitive for stretches, but the overall offensive output was not enough against a Knicks team that looked balanced and composed throughout the night.

New York also did a better job winning the possession battle. The Knicks attempted 32 free throws and made 23, while Philadelphia went 13-of-16 at the line. In a playoff setting where half-court execution becomes more important every game, those extra points and extra rebounds added up quickly.

Closing Context

With the result, the Knicks now lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series 3-0 and moved one win away from advancing. New York also improved on the road in a tough playoff setting after finishing the regular season 53-29. Philadelphia, which went 45-37 in the regular season, now faces an uphill path heading into Game 4 as it tries to extend the series on its home floor.

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