Joel Embiid's presence was undeniable, playing the entire second half after Philadelphia struggled during his first-half absence. However, despite his efforts, the All-Star center couldn't find his scoring touch in the crucial fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson, fresh off a historic performance, marveled not at his own achievement but at the overwhelming support of the Knicks' fanbase. Their passionate presence in Philadelphia, drowning out even Embiid's supporters, left a lasting impression on the Knicks' star.
Brunson's remarkable playoff career-high of 47 points, coupled with 10 assists, propelled the Knicks to a gritty 97-92 victory, granting them a commanding 3-1 series lead. Surpassing Bernard King's iconic 46-point performance in 1984, Brunson's heroics electrified both his teammates and the fervent Knicks faithful.
OG Anunoby complemented Brunson's brilliance with 16 points and 14 rebounds, assuming defensive duties against Embiid in the decisive fourth quarter. With the Knicks on the brink of securing a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year, the stage is set for a potential clincher at home in Game 5.
Despite Embiid's valiant efforts, finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds, the 76ers faltered down the stretch. Embiid's struggles to find the basket in the final quarter mirrored the 76ers' offensive woes, as the Knicks capitalized on second-chance opportunities to seize control of the game.
In the face of adversity, the Knicks displayed resilience, capitalizing on their relentless pursuit of offensive rebounds to fuel their offensive output. Coach Tom Thibodeau highlighted the significance of offensive rebounds as valuable scoring opportunities, praising his team's relentless effort on the glass.
With key players sidelined due to injuries, the Knicks leaned on their remaining roster, with Anunoby, Hart, and Brunson logging heavy minutes. Despite early setbacks, the Knicks capitalized on Philadelphia's offensive struggles and rallied behind Brunson's offensive onslaught to seize control of the game.
Embiid's stellar performance in Game 3 was overshadowed by Brunson's brilliance in Game 4, highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball. Despite his best efforts, Embiid's fatigue became evident in the crucial moments of the game, as the Knicks capitalized on his late-game struggles to secure a pivotal victory.
As the series heads back to New York for Game 5, the Knicks find themselves on the cusp of advancing to the next round, fueled by Brunson's heroics and the unwavering support of their passionate fanbase.