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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks during a playoff game.

The New York Knicks are looking to take a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday’s Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup.

The Knicks dominated Game 1 behind Jalen Brunson‘s 35-point performance in their 137-98 win. OG Anunoby had 18 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges scored 17 points each.

All Knicks players who saw minutes on the floor scored, highlighting how lopsided the victory was. They also limited Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe to a combined 39 points in Game 1.

In addition to their effective offense through KAT, the Knicks defense has been very good since Game 4 of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.

WWE’s Paul Heyman Predicts New York Knicks Sweep

GettyPaul Heyman looks on at ringside during a match between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman was on ESPN’s Get Up on Wednesday to hype WWE Backlash this coming Saturday in Tampa, Florida.

Heyman, who was born and raised in New York, also cut a promo on the Sixers and predicted a sweep for his beloved Knicks.

“Come on, people. It’s over,” Heyman said. “You know that it’s over, and who else to learn this from except for Paul Heyman, the most popular man in the history of Philadelphia. They should take down the Rocky statue and put up a statue of Paul Heyman.”

The Oracle added, “The Knicks are going to win. And even if this was a Rocky movie, this ain’t no Rocky movie. This is New York we’re talking about. So, while the Knicks fans are celebrating outside of Madison Square Garden after the Knicks just sweep out Philadelphia, the 76ers simply going to be sitting there crying.”

For those unaware, Heyman made a name for himself as the creative mind behind Extreme Championship Wrestling in the 1990s. The promotion’s home back then was Philadelphia.

Keys For New York Knicks To Win Game 2

GettyKarl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Knicks have been playing much better since coach Mike Brown decided to run his offense through Karl-Anthony Towns. Jalen Brunson has played much better without the added burden of being the primary playmaker, focusing on scoring the basketball.

Sports Illustrated’s Steven Simineri opined that the Knicks will need to stick to what’s working for them in Game 2 against the Sixers. He also wants the team to continue hunting down Joel Embiid on defense.

“The Knicks can continue the hunting of Embiid, whose lack of mobility makes him a liability in the pick-and-roll,” Simineri wrote. “The former MVP was the screen defender during 27 on-ball picks Monday night, with the Knicks getting 1.62 points per direct action, which would be the fifth-worst mark of his career in a game where he defended at least 25 on-ball picks.”

Game 2 of the series has a 7:00 p.m. tip-off schedule. The Knicks are favored to win and earn a 2-0 lead.