Despite the absence of Joel Embiid, the 76ers pushed New York to the brink, but Brunson’s 26 points and late-game precision secured the victory; Yankee Scores reports…

Brunson scored 26 points and helped the Knicks navigate a close game, following some blowout games, as they edged the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 and took a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Jalen Brunson Takes Control

“Most importantly, it’s staying poised, staying composed,” Brunson said. “Just figuring out one just play at a time, one step at a time and not looking too far ahead.”

This philosophy fits Brunson like a glove. He hit the go-ahead shot with 5:06 remaining before knocking down a jump shot with 3:45 left to give his team a 103-99 lead, followed by a layup from Bridges that made it 103-101.

“They switched on defense, and Jalen was able to find his spots and make his shots,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown said.

THAT’S GOOD. pic.twitter.com/PYXvmoZGFI

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 7, 2026

76ers Show Grit Without Joel Embiid

Without Joel Embiid, who had a right hip and ankle injury, the 76ers played much tougher against the Knicks, compared to their 137-98 Game 1 drubbing.

There were 25 lead changes in the contest, the most in an NBA playoff game in 11 years, as well as 14 ties, and neither team led by more than seven points.

LOOK OUT BELOW 😤 pic.twitter.com/Cylx2Dvjl5

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 7, 2026

Series Shift

The series heads to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday respectively, when Embiid will see whether his request for a Center City crowd full of either 76ers or Knicks fans will be granted.

Embiid was deemed unavailable with right hip and ankle injuries, after having soreness on Thursday morning and skipped Philadelphia’s shootaround. But even without him, the 76ers got 19 points each from Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr., as well as 17 from rookie VJ Edgecombe.