Knicks Rally in Fourth Quarter to Secure Home Playoff Win over 76ers, Lead Series 4-1
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks continued their dominant play in the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, as they secured a 113-99 victory in Game 5 on Saturday night. The win puts the Knicks up 4-1 in the best-of-seven series and sets up a crucial Game 6 in New York on Monday. The Knicks' defense was again the key to their success on Saturday night, as they held the 76ers to just 38% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers. The 76ers' offense struggled to find any rhythm, as the Knicks' zone defense made it difficult for them to get open looks. Joel Embiid, who had been averaging over 30 points per game in the series, was held to just 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting. Julius Randle continued his strong play for the Knicks, leading the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Barrett added 23 points and Evan Fournier chipped in with 17 points, as the trio of players combined for 79 of the Knicks' 113 points. The Knicks' momentum continued into the second half, as they extended their lead to 25 points at one point in the third quarter. The 76ers made a small run in the fourth quarter to get back into the game, but it was too little too late. The Knicks held on for the win, securing their first home playoff victory since 2013 and a commanding lead in the series. Key players for the Knicks included Randle, who was once again the star of the night, but Barrett and Fournier were also crucial in their victory. Barrett's 23 points came on just 13 shots, showing his efficiency on both ends of the court. Fournier's 17 points came on 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, giving the Knicks a much-needed boost from outside. With a commanding lead in the series, the Knicks will now travel to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Monday, looking to close out the series and secure a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks' resilience and strong play on both ends of the court have them poised for a deep playoff run this season.
