Jalen Brunson powers Knicks' Game 1 rout with 35 points (0:59)

Jalen Brunson powers Knicks' Game 1 rout with 35 points (0:59)

Vincent Goodwill May 4, 2026, 11:20 PM ET

NEW YORK -- The up-and-down nature of the New York Knicks ' season created the circumstances for them to look like the playoff juggernaut they've been for the past week or so.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals was essentially over before halftime as the Knicks took a 23-point lead over the Philadelphia 76ers on the back of Jalen Brunson 's 27 first-half points. He finished with 35 as New York emphatically added to a historic postseason roll with a 137-98 win Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three straight postseason games by at least 25 points, continuing a wave that began midway through the first round against the Atlanta Hawks by shooting 63% and leading by as many as 40 points Monday night.

76ers coach Nick Nurse pulled his starters midway through the third quarter…