Following a massive 39-point blowout in Game 1, the 76ers arrived for Game 2 with a much more aggressive defensive scheme. Despite playing without reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with ankle and hip injuries, Philadelphia pushed the Knicks to the brink in a contest that featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties.
Jalen Brunson once again proved why he is the engine of the New York offense. Brunson finished with 26 points, scoring eight of those in the critical fourth quarter. With the game tied at 99-99 late in the final period, Brunson hit a go-ahead jumper that sparked a closing run the 76ers could not answer.
Karl-Anthony Towns provided a massive lift inside, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mikal Bridges added 18 points, providing the steady perimeter scoring that has become a hallmark of this Knicks postseason run.
However, the mood in the Garden shifted late in the fourth quarter when OG Anunoby went down. The forward, who had been having a stellar night with 24 points and four steals, appeared to suffer a non-contact leg injury while cutting to the rim. Anunoby limped directly to the locker room with just over two minutes remaining and did not return. Head coach Mike Brown did not provide an immediate update following the game, leaving fans anxious about Anunoby's status for Game 3.
For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey led the way with 26 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Paul George each chipped in 19. Philadelphia managed to lead after each of the first three quarters, but their offense stalled in the final 12 minutes, shooting just 21 percent from the field in the fourth quarter.
The series now heads to the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night, where the 76ers will look to capitalize on home-court advantage and avoid a 3-0 deficit that has historically been impossible to overcome in NBA playoff history.