Jalen Brunson credits the Knicks’ suffocating defense for their Game 1 blowout win originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Knicks are proving that they are the best team left in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. After dominating the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 to advance into the Semifinals, the Knicks did it again, this time against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Head coach Mike Brown and his Knicks won Game 1 137-98. It was one of the most dominant victories in the Playoffs for any team, largely credited to the offense. However, star guard Jalen Brunson wants to highlight the Knicks’ suffocating defense.
Jalen Brunson highlights the Knicks’ suffocating defense in Game 1 blowout
Despite being the star of the night with his 35-point performance, Brunson did not want to take sole credit for the victory. He knows that the Knicks won the game with a well-rounded performance.
Apart from Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges all had efficient games. In total, that trio missed only 8 shots in 29 field-goal attempts. However, they all stood out defensively as well.
MORE: Looking back at how the Knicks 51-point win against Atlanta fares in NBA history
Brunson scored 27 points in the first half, which was enough to set the tone for the rest of the game. He only scored eight more points, but it showed that the Knicks’ defense was truly superb against the 76ers.
“I think the way we played on defense really propelled us offensively. Making good reads, going out on transition, and seeing the ball going into the hoop,” Brunson said after the Game 1 blowout win against the 76ers.
“Tonight’s over with, we have to focus on the next game, it’s back to 0-0. Whether you win by one or 30, it’s just one win, you have to continue doing it.”
Philly will most likely make adjustments for Game 2 and beyond. However, they know they have a tough opponent in the Knicks in this series, and they have to recapture the magic that made them come back from 3-1 down against the Boston Celtics.
More NBA news:
- The full history in the rivalry between Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns
- Joel Embiid’s urgent call to the 76ers fans ahead of Game 1
- Mike Brown credits Quin Snyder for preparing him and the Knicks for excellence in the Playoffs
- Mikal Bridges earns Mike Brown’s respect after standout performance in closeout against the Hawks
- How Mitchell Robinson had a phenomenal Game 6 against Atlanta before his ejection