Jalen Brunson registered a historic NBA playoffs night as the undersized guard dominated the 76ers to lead the Knicks in a gritty 97-92 win in Philadelphia. Brunson set a new record for best scoring performance in a playoff game by dropping 47 points on 18-of-34 shooting. In an arena full of Knicks’ fans, New York improved their record against the Sixers and took a 3-1 lead over the hosts.
OG Anunoby scored 16 points while posting 14 rebounds as the Knicks moved one win away from punching their ticket to the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals. Joel Embiid did everything in his power with 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, but missed a crucial layup under the basket towards the end of the game. Tyrese Maxey added 23 as the Sixers now need 3 consecutive wins to continue in the 2024 NBA playoffs.
In Dallas, the LA Clippers fumbled a 31-point lead as Paul George scored 26 first-half points to lead them comfortably to a huge advantage. However, the Mavericks returned as Kyrie Irving had a massive scoring explosion in the last three quarters of the game. The Mavs tied the contest at 98-98 with the game heading into the final minutes of the regulation. The Clippers apperead flabbergasted having also Kawhi Leonard sidelined.
But, James Harden had a peak performance in the 4th quarter with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting to put the fighting Mavs away and tie the series at 2 games apiece with a 116-111 victory. Harden finished 33 points and seven assists, while Paul George also added 33 on 7-of-10 shooting from three. For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving led the way with 40 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
Luka Doncic appeared obviously hurt in the game but finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Doncic shot just 41 percent from the field and had a rough game making only one three-pointer in nine attempts. The series returns to LA for Game 5 in one of the most competitive NBA playoff matchups we are watching this season.
NBA Playoffs (29/4)
New York Knicks (2) vs Philadelphia 76ers (7) 97-92 (3-1)
LA Clippers (4) vs Dallas Mavericks 116-111 (2-2)
Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs Indiana Pacers (6) 113-126 (1-3)
Minnesota Timberwolves (3) vs Phoenix Suns (6) vs 122-116 (4-0)
