The New York Knicks are heading into Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers with a commanding 2-0 series lead—but don’t expect them to take anything for granted. After cruising through their first four playoff games, the Knicks had to grind out a hard-fought 108-102 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday night. And with the series shifting to Philadelphia on Friday, here are three key factors that could determine whether New York keeps rolling or the 76ers finally strike back.
Dominate the Paint, Win the Game
If there’s one area where the Knicks have absolutely owned this series, it’s close to the basket. Through two games, New York has outscored Philadelphia 114-62 in the paint. That’s not a typo. In Game 2 alone, the Knicks posted a staggering 56-30 advantage inside, which proved crucial on a night when their three-point shooting went ice cold (just 7-of-26, or 26.9 percent). When the long-range shots aren’t falling, pounding the paint is the perfect counterpunch.
What makes that dominance even more impressive? The Knicks did it without starting center Mitchell Robinson, who sat out with an illness. They also grabbed just nine offensive rebounds—well below their usual standard. So how did they keep finding easy buckets? Credit Karl-Anthony Towns. Operating as a playmaker on the perimeter, Towns has been opening up driving lanes for cutters all series. He dished out seven assists in Game 2 and has recorded at least six in each of his last five games. If the Knicks can maintain this interior edge, they’ll have a winning formula every single night.
The Health Factor: Anunoby’s Status Looms Large
Xs and Os matter, but in the playoffs, it’s all about the Jims and Joes—and right now, injuries are the biggest wild card in this series. Late in the fourth quarter of Game 2, OG Anunoby was seen hobbling and missed the final two-and-a-half minutes with what appeared to be a leg injury. After the game, head coach Mike Brown had no update on Anunoby’s status, leaving fans holding their breath.
That’s a tough blow because Anunoby was having another stellar night: 24 points, five rebounds, and relentless defense. Losing him for any stretch would be a major challenge for New York, especially with the 76ers desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole. Keep an eye on the injury report ahead of Friday—it could shape the entire game plan.
Foul Trouble and Depth: Can the Knicks Weather the Storm?
Game 2 also saw Karl-Anthony Towns battling foul trouble, which limited his minutes and disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm. Yet New York still found a way to win, thanks in large part to a combined 70 points from Towns, Jalen Brunson, and Anunoby. That kind of star power is hard to stop, but the 76ers—playing without Joel Embiid—have shown they won’t go quietly.
Philadelphia pushed the Knicks to the limit in Game 2, and with the series heading back to their home court, expect them to come out with even more energy. For New York, the key will be staying out of foul trouble early, maintaining their defensive intensity, and continuing to get contributions from role players. If the starters can stay on the floor and the paint dominance continues, the Knicks have a real chance to take a stranglehold on this series.