The New York Knicks took the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals with a decisive 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 2026 NBA playoffs' second round is underway, with coverage provided for every Eastern and Western Conference semifinal matchup. The top-seeded New York Knicks kicked off the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday against the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, winning Game 1 to claim an early series lead. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons will complete the East bracket on Tuesday in a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the West, Victor Wembanyma and the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs face the returning Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns, start their series against the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
The New York Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers after winning Game 1 by a score of 137-98. The biggest takeaway from the game was the Knicks' dominant performance, continuing their streak of four consecutive playoff blowouts with each contest decided before halftime.
Joel Embiid was stifled, the Hack-A-Mitch strategy failed to rattle the Knicks, and Jalen Brunson went on a scoring spree in the first half, free from pressure after the Atlanta Hawks were eliminated. Brunson scored 27 of his 31 points in the first half, while Karl-Anthony Towns demonstrated why he poses such a tough matchup problem.
Vincent Goodwill noted the 76ers were still adjusting after their emotional four-game comeback against the Boston Celtics in the first round. He added that the Knicks appeared to be rounding into championship form, with their playoff sweat equity on full display.
Meanwhile, Tim Bontemps highlighted Philadelphia's reliance on making shots in their first-round series, which did not happen in Game 1. He stressed the need for the 76ers to improve their defense on Jalen Brunson and get Tyrese Maxey going earlier with better shooting to change the outcome in Game 2.
For Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Philadelphia must solve their shooting struggles and find a way to contain Jalen Brunson effectively. Tyrese Maxey will need to contribute more consistently and earlier in the game for the 76ers to have a chance.
The focus remains on how both teams adjust after the lopsided Game 1 result. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 2 on Wednesday night.