Jalen Brunson continued his postseason dominance, silencing a hostile Philadelphia crowd with a game-high 33 points and nine assists. Brunson’s poise was the deciding factor in the fourth quarter, where he scored 12 points to fend off a late Philadelphia rally. He was supported by a stellar performance from Mikal Bridges, who added 23 points and provided elite perimeter defense throughout the night.
The 76ers entered the game with high hopes as reigning MVP Joel Embiid returned to the lineup after missing Game 2. Embiid finished with 18 points and six rebounds in 35 minutes of action but appeared hampered by the ankle and hip injuries that have plagued his postseason. Despite a spirited 22-point effort from Kelly Oubre Jr. and 17 points from Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia struggled to find offensive consistency, shooting just 39 percent from the field as a team.
New York's defensive depth proved critical, especially with OG Anunoby sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in the previous game. Landry Shamet stepped up significantly in the rotation, contributing 15 points off the bench, while Josh Hart anchored the boards with 11 rebounds. The Knicks' ability to control the paint and limit second-chance points prevented the Sixers from gaining any sustained momentum.
The atmosphere in Philadelphia was tense, particularly following Embiid’s pre-game plea for home fans to retain their tickets. However, pockets of orange and blue were still visible and audible as the Knicks pulled away in the final minutes. The 76ers’ frustration boiled over late in the game, with several technical fouls called as the reality of the 3-0 deficit set in.
The series remains in Philadelphia for Game 4, scheduled for Sunday, May 10. The Knicks will look to complete the sweep and secure their place in the next round, while the 76ers must win to keep their season alive and avoid a disappointing exit in front of their home fans.