Knicks beat Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in Game 2, take 2-0 series lead despite OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury [VIDEO]
New York outscored Philadelphia 19-12 in the fourth quarter, overcoming 25 lead changes and 14 ties to secure the win.
The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, May 8, in Philadelphia.
The Knicks won Game 1 on May 4 by a score of 137-98. Joel Embiid missed both games due to a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness. He was initially listed as probable for Game 2 but was ruled out after experiencing increased soreness and not participating in shootaround. OG Anunoby left Game 2 late in the fourth quarter with an apparent right hamstring injury and did not return.
Mitchell Robinson was also unavailable for the Knicks due to illness.
Fourth-Quarter Defense Locks Down 76ers
The game featured 25 lead changes, the most in a playoff game in 11 years (since May 2, 2015). Neither team led by more than seven points at any stage. The 76ers led for approximately 56 percent of game time, controlling the pace for most of the first three quarters. The Knicks seized their final lead with about six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and never gave it back.
Philadelphia shot 4-for-19 from the field in the fourth quarter. The Knicks outscored the 76ers 19-12 in the final period after trailing 90-89 entering the quarter. A late 9-0 run helped secure the victory. The 76ers generated good looks but could not convert. Paul George missed three three-point attempts in the final five minutes. Tyrese Maxey turned the ball over twice in the last four minutes.
Coach Nick Nurse said after the game, “We had great offense. Just missed shots. The scoreboard wasn’t moving for us in that fourth.” The 76ers shot 38.2 percent from three for the game but could not sustain that efficiency in the final period. Their fourth-quarter field goal percentage was 21.1 percent.
Brunson and Anunoby Lead Knicks Offense
Jalen Brunson played 41 minutes and scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting. He added 6 assists and shot 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. His steady play in the fourth quarter kept the Knicks within striking distance before the final run. Brunson has now scored 20 or more points in all seven playoff games this season.
OG Anunoby scored 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block. He exited late in the fourth quarter with an apparent right hamstring injury, limping to the locker room. He did not return to the bench. Knicks coach Mike Brown said after the game that he had no immediate update on Anunoby’s status. Anunoby had been the Knicks’ best defender on Paul George, holding him to 4-of-12 shooting when matched up.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. He played only 27 minutes due to foul trouble but was efficient when on the floor, shooting 6-of-8 from the field. Mikal Bridges added 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting, continuing his strong playoff run. Josh Hart played 44 minutes, contributing 5 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals despite appearing to injure his left hand or wrist in the third quarter. Hart did not miss a possession after the injury.
Maxey and George Carry 76ers in Embiid’s Absence
Tyrese Maxey played 47 minutes and scored 26 points on 9-of-23 shooting. He added 6 assists but committed 6 turnovers. Maxey has now played 47 or more minutes in three of the 76ers’ past four playoff games. His workload has increased significantly with Embiid sidelined.
Paul George scored 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-13 from three-point range. He played 43 minutes and was the primary offensive initiator when Maxey rested. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting with 5 rebounds. VJ Edgecombe scored 17 points for the 76ers, his fourth consecutive game in double figures.
Andre Drummond grabbed 8 rebounds in 15 minutes. Quentin Grimes added 7 points off the bench. Dominick Barlow contributed 6 points and 2 blocks, providing the only interior resistance the 76ers had all night. The 76ers shot 13-of-34 from three-point range (38.2 percent) but were outscored 56-30 in the paint. The absence of Embiid’s interior presence was evident on both ends of the floor.
Interior Scoring and Turnovers Decide the Game
The Knicks scored 56 points in the paint to the 76ers’ 30. New York’s starting frontcourt of Towns and Anunoby consistently attacked the rim. The Knicks also converted 76ers turnovers into 23 points, while Philadelphia managed only 9 points off Knicks turnovers. The turnover margin was the largest statistical difference of the game.
New York shot 50.6 percent from the field compared to Philadelphia’s 45.3 percent. The Knicks attempted and made more free throws (21-of-25) than the 76ers (21-of-28). Both teams hit 21 free throws, but the Knicks took three fewer attempts, giving them a slight efficiency edge. The Knicks also grabbed 9 offensive rebounds, leading to 14 second-chance points.
The Knicks recorded 10 steals and forced 18 turnovers. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby combined for 7 steals. The defensive pressure disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm, particularly in the final period when the 76ers needed to score. The Knicks have now forced 15 or more turnovers in four of their past five playoff games.
Series Shifts to Philadelphia With Embiid’s Status Uncertain
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. The game will air on Prime Video. Game 4 follows on Sunday, May 10, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The 76ers have not lost a playoff game at home in this postseason, winning both of their home games in the first round against Boston.
Joel Embiid’s availability remains day-to-day. He has missed both games of the series with a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness. He was listed as probable for Game 2 before experiencing increased soreness and being ruled out after missing shootaround. Embiid has been receiving around-the-clock treatment in an effort to play in Game 3.
OG Anunoby’s status is also uncertain after he left Game 2 late with an apparent right hamstring injury. He limped to the locker room and did not return. The Knicks have not provided an official update as of the conclusion of Game 2. The series could shift significantly depending on the availability of both players for Game 3. The 76ers need a win. The Knicks want to leave Philadelphia with a split. The next two games will determine if this series returns to New York.
Conclusion
The Knicks have done what they needed to do at home. Two games, two wins, a 2-0 series lead. But the series is far from over. Philadelphia shot 4-for-19 in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and still only lost by six. Joel Embiid has not played a minute. OG Anunoby limped off the court.
Game 3 is Friday in Philadelphia. The 76ers have been waiting for this moment since the series started. The Knicks have been waiting for this moment since they lost Mitchell Robinson. The series is about to shift. The question is not who will win.
The question is who will be healthy enough to try.