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• Updated May 9, 2026 at 3:27pm

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Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The second-round series between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers has been lopsided. The third-seeded Knicks aren’t trying to end up in a situation like the Boston Celtics.

Therefore, the comfortable 3-0 lead means nothing for Karl-Anthony Towns and his teammates.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ Message To The Knicks

GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks and Team Knicks celebrate after winning the Kia Shooting Stars during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

“We don’t look at it as a 3-0,” Towns told reporters.

“We got to go out there at 0-0 and we got to have that same desperation and everything that comes with trying to win that first one. We’re locked in on the mission at hand and we also have to continue to raise our standards.”

The 76ers Are In Trouble

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 10: Trendon Watford #12, Joel Embiid #21, and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers sit on the bench during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Talk is cheap in the NBA, but the Knicks are moving forward with the correct mentality.

So far, they’ve completely dominated the 76ers, and they don’t seem to be overly excited and taking their foot off the gas.

Playing with desperation while up 3-0, the Knicks smell blood in the water and know they can take the series before they even head back to NYC.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 15: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on after a 109-97 win over the Orlando Magic during an NBA play-in tournament game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 15, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Game 3 battle in Philadelphia on Friday was a must-win for the trailing Sixers. Knowing that a 0-3 comeback has not been achieved, the 76ers did what they could to avoid putting themselves in that position.

It wasn’t enough. Joel Embiid returned to the court after missing the Game 2 matchup against the Knicks, and he played for 35 minutes. The star center put up 18 points on 7-17 shooting from the field, and missed all four of his shots from three.

Tyrese Maxey checked in for 44 minutes and produced 17 points on 8-12 shooting. The star guard dished out seven assists and came down with two rebounds.

The Knicks have simply been the better team. They will look to keep that trend rolling on Sunday, when the Sixers and the Knicks battle for Game 4. A 76ers victory would force Game 5 on Tuesday. A loss ends their season.