The Knicks shut down the Phillies with a dominant run at Wells Fargo Center. Jalen Brunson came out on top, dropping 47 points with 10 assists to lead the team to a 97-92 win. Even though Brunson showcased his offensive brilliance, the game was all about the defense that both sides produced. While Stephen A. Smith hailed JB, his colleague, former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins, had someone else in his mind.

During the Half-time Show, a moment after A. Smith rained down praise on Brunson, Perkins pointed out OG Anunoby’s effort. He said, “Let’s give a lot of credit to OG Anunoby. 16 points, 14 rebounds, and locked down Joel Embiid when it mattered the most… That was the adjustment.” 

One of the biggest threats for the Knicks was the Cameroonian big man. He single-handedly won Game 3 for the Philadelphia 76ers with a 50-point outing. The Sixers stepped on the court tonight with a similar mindset, but the Knicks had an even bigger plan laid out for him. While Isaiah Hartenstein was expected to take care of the big man in the game, he had foul trouble by the end of the first half. And as a surprise to the Phillies, OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa took up the job in the second half.

The former teammates gave Embiid a tough time in the second half. Anunoby and Achiuwa carried out plenty of defensive plays against Joel Embiid & Co. to help the team restrict them to 97-92. Notably, when the Knicks were up by three points late in the game, Anunoby ran to guard the wide-open Kyle Lowry at one end and Achiuwa immediately responded by rushing back to hold the big man, ultimately stopping the three-pointer.

Speaking of the collaborative defense effort, Achiuwa said, “It’s a feel thing between me and OG. When we’re involved in a defensive action, I understand what he wants to do, we read off each other and play off each other that way.”

One win at MSG away from kicking out Joel Embiid & Co. 

The Knicks have fought hard throughout the season, beating all odds. Firstly, Jalen Brunson was often criticized and written off, saying that a 6 ‘1 guard can’t carry a team. On top of that, the team lost two of its big men for the majority of the season. Even with all those constraints, the team made it to the second seed.

Despite making it to the second seed, they weren’t considered favorites for the first round after Joel Embiid’s return from injury. Sixers’ Paul Reed even dropped a lavish statement ahead of the series. He said, “We ain’t ducking no smoke, but yeah, we wanted the Knicks matchup — of course… That’s the easier team.” 

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Nevertheless, the Knicks are just one win away from advancing to the Conference semifinals. They will most likely face the Indiana Pacers. Will they advance to the Conference Finals as claimed by Stephen A. Smith? Let us know in the comments below.