DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 19: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts to a three point shot by Landry Shamet #44 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on November 19, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks travel to Philadelphia to play the 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Knicks have been on a bit of a heater as of late.
They won multiple games by 30 or more points from the end of their first round series against the Atlanta Hawks through Game 1 against the Sixers.
It hasn’t been a man show all throughout.
Star guard Jalen Brunson has been his usual self, but the Knicks have received key production from multiple players, especially two-way forward Mikal Bridges, as they ride a four-game winning streak entering Game 3 in Philadelphia.
Like every spring, the Knicks are under a hot spotlight to perform.
With the Boston Celtics dealt a stunning upset and the reigning East champion Indiana Pacers failing to even qualify for the playoffs, the path to the NBA Finals appears smoother compared to recent years.
New York is already enjoying a 2-0 lead over the Sixers as the series shifts to the City of Brotherly Love. With Philadelphia dealing with injuries to star big man Joel Embiid, even though the Knicks themselves are likely down OG Anunoby for a few games, the road team possesses a golden opportunity to go up 3-0 and put this second round clash to bed.
The man who has been consistent through it all. They call him the captain for a reason.
Some even refer to him as “Big Body Brunson.”
Brunson, 29, continues his quest to become one of the greatest Knicks of all time. In just his fourth season with the franchise, he is already garnering that kind of consideration.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
Getting the Knicks to the NBA Finals, where they haven’t been since Brunson was in diapers, would elevate Brunson to a remarkable status.
It’s safe to say he is well on his way to one day having his jersey raised to the rafters in Madison Square Garden.
Ahead of Friday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia, the NBA announced Brunson captured a major milestone.
“@jalenbrunson1‘s 1,476 points are the MOST through a player’s 50 playoff games with New York, passing Patrick Ewing (1,169)!” @NBAHistory wrote in an X post.
It’s not easy being in Brunson’s shoes.
A small guard trying to navigate a hallowed franchise to its first NBA Finals in nearly 30 years. That’s the kind of pressure few are built for.
“That’s what an MVP candidate does,” head coach Mike Brown gushed earlier this season. “On a big stage, he showed why he should be mentioned as one of the first guys, if anybody’s talking about MVP candidates, he should be one of the first ones mentioned.”
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Brunson has been MVP caliber in virtually every year he has been in New York, but the Knicks haven’t gotten over the playoff hump with the star guard as the sachem.
The furthest the Knicks have gotten is to the Eastern Conference finals, which was just last season. They were ousted by the Pacers in six games.
With the Knicks up early on the Sixers, they are widely expected to close out this series soon and move on to the conference finals for the second year in a row.
In the third round, they’ll be picked by many to beat either the Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers.
From there, win or lose, Brunson would have done something no other Knick has done in nearly three decades.
Getting New York to the championship round.
Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad
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