NEW YORK Knicks survived a tough challenge from the Philadelphia 76ers and pulled away late for a 108-102 victory in Game 2 of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday night (Thursday in the Philippines) in New York.
Jalen Brunson delivered 26 points, including key baskets in the closing minutes, as the Knicks grabbed a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia.
After a one-sided Game 1, the rematch turned into a tightly contested battle with neither side leading by more than seven points. The game featured 25 lead changes and 14 deadlocks, the highest number of lead swings in an NBA playoff game in more than a decade.
Brunson broke a 99-all deadlock with just over five minutes left before knocking down another jumper to give the Knicks a four-point cushion late in the fourth quarter.
OG Anunoby finished with 24 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists for New York. Mikal Bridges chipped in 18 markers and also played strong defense in the second half against Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey paced Philadelphia with 26 points after struggling in the series opener, while Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 apiece. Rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 17 points.
In San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the Spurs scored a lopsided 133-95 victory over Minnesota Timberwolves to even their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.
Stephon Castle had 21 points and De’Aaron Fox added 16 points for San Antonio, which shot 50% from the field and 41% on 3-pointers. It was the highest-scoring playoff game for the Spurs since a series-clinching 145-105 win over Denver on May 4, 1983.
Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. each scored 12 points for the Timberwolves, which suffered it worst postseason loss in franchise history.
Anthony Edwards came off the bench again and contributed 12 markers as Minnesota continued to restrict his minutes in his second game back from a hyperextended left knee./PN
