Getty
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks during an NBA game.
Nick Nurse is not taking the New York Knicks lightly. The Philadelphia 76ers head coach made that abundantly clear ahead of Round 2, showering the Knicks with praise while acknowledging the steep challenge ahead.
For New York fans, this is exactly the kind of respect that fuels a hungry team and a sign that the Knicks have everyone’s attention heading into the second round.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse on Knicks
Nurse kept it honest when asked about facing New York:
“I think they’re very good. I think their starting lineup is incredible… Brunson is obviously a big problem. I think they’re very good and it’s going to be a tremendous challenge,” the 76ers coach said.
“Listen, I think they’re very good. I think their starting lineup’s incredible, I think they continue to bolster their bench… I think they’re very, very good. I think it’s going to be a tremendous challenge”
Nick Nurse talks about the 76ers’ upcoming matchup with the Knicks:
Coming from a coach who has faced the Knicks in the playoffs before, this is as close to a public scouting report as you’ll get and it’s not flattering for Philadelphia.
V. J. Edgecombe also shared his thoughts when asked about the upcoming series: “Obviously they have played together for a minute, they have good chemistry, they play hard. We’ve got to do the same thing, match their energy… May the best team win.”
V. J. Edgecombe calls the Knicks a “really great team” when asked about the upcoming series:
“Obviously they have played together for a minute, they have good chemistry, they play hard. We’ve got to do the same thing, match their energy… May the best team win”
GettyJalen Brunson #11 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks
| Day | Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 5/4 | New York vs PHI | 8:00 PM | NBC/PCK |
| Wed | 5/6 | New York vs PHI | 7:00 PM | ESPN |
| Fri | 5/8 | New York vs PHI | 7:00 PM | Prime |
| Sun | 5/10 | New York vs PHI | 3:30 PM | ABC |
| Tue | 5/12 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
| Thu | 5/14 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| Sun | 5/17 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
New York enters this series with home court advantage, and Madison Square Garden remains one of the most intimidating venues in the NBA.
The Knicks historically feed off MSG’s energy, in the 2024 playoffs, New York went 4-1 across five home games before falling to Miami in the second round.
The 76ers, who had a poor home record in the 2025-26 regular season, will now face a rocking MSG crowd in Games 1 and 2, and Jalen Brunson himself has called playing at home “really fun” and “special”.
GettyNew York Knicks bench is the secret weapon for their win.
76ers Coach called the starting players “incredible.” New York’s bench may quietly be a difference-maker. On the court, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson have taken the lead as the main players coming off the bench in the playoffs, giving both scoring and defensive energy when the starters are resting.
Mike Brown, the head coach, has stated that a deep rotation is essential, and with guys like Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek at hand, the Knicks have ways to keep the intensity on Philadelphia for the whole game.
Jayesh Pagar Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar
此内容由惯性聚合(RSS阅读器)自动聚合整理，仅供阅读参考。 原文来自 — 版权归原作者所有。
