Overview
- New York seized a 1–0 lead over Philadelphia with a 137–98 Game 1 win, led by Jalen Brunson’s 35 points at Madison Square Garden.
- The victory made the Knicks the first NBA team to take three straight playoff games by at least 25 points and pushed their four-game margin to 135.
- Center Ariel Hukporti gave the Knicks 17 high-energy minutes off the bench with five points and a game-best nine rebounds.
- Out West, San Antonio fell 102–104 to Minnesota despite Victor Wembanyama’s playoff-record 12 blocks, plus 11 points and 15 rebounds.
- Game 2 for both series is set in the same arenas, with New York aiming to tighten its grip at home and San Antonio trying to reclaim ground after losing home court.