The Knicks found themselves in a precarious position as an eight-point lead vanished, leaving Madison Square Garden in a tense silence. Donte DiVincenzo encapsulated the mood, acknowledging the uneasy feeling that permeated the arena.
But within moments, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. DiVincenzo stepped up with a clutch 3-pointer, igniting pandemonium in the Garden as New York seized a last-minute victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, securing a 2-0 lead in the playoff series.
The turnaround was nothing short of remarkable. Trailing by five points with under 30 seconds remaining, the Knicks launched a stunning comeback. Jalen Brunson broke his shooting slump with a crucial 3-pointer, sparking hope. A steal by Josh Hart and a series of frantic plays led to DiVincenzo’s decisive shot, swinging the momentum in New York’s favor.
“It was chaotic, but we were determined,” remarked Hart, reflecting on the frenetic sequence that unfolded. A crucial block by Isaiah Hartenstein and pivotal free throws from OG Anunoby sealed the victory, as the Knicks held on despite a last-ditch effort from Joel Embiid.
Brunson, despite his shooting struggles, delivered a standout performance with 24 points, buoyed by Hart’s 21 points and 15 rebounds, and DiVincenzo’s 19 points. The win marked only the fourth time in recent NBA history that a team clinched a playoff victory after trailing by at least five points in the final 30 seconds.
Maxey showcased brilliance with 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, rallying the 76ers in a valiant effort. Embiid’s 34 points and 10 rebounds weren’t enough to tip the scales in Philadelphia’s favor.
Looking ahead, Embiid exuded confidence, asserting the 76ers’ determination to turn the tide in the series. Despite the disappointment, Maxey echoed a resilient spirit, vowing to regroup for the upcoming games in Philadelphia.
The contributions of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo, former Villanova Wildcats, proved instrumental in New York’s triumph. Hart’s first-half heroics kept the Knicks within reach, while Brunson showcased resilience after a tough Game 1. Embiid’s dominance was notable, though he lacked sufficient support from his teammates.
As the series heads to Philadelphia, both teams brace for intensified competition, knowing that every possession counts in the pursuit of playoff glory.
