The NEW York Knicks scored eight points in the final 27.4 seconds to stun the Philadelphia 76ers 104-101 and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA’s Eastern Conference playoffs.
Jalen Brunson’s 3-pointer brought the Knicks within two points and following Josh Hart made a steal, Donte Divincenzo capped a chaotic possession with a 3-pointer to put New York up 102-101.
Og Anunoby sealed the win at Madison Square Garden with a pair of free throws as the Knicks joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2-0 lead in the first-round series.
It was a tough loss for the 76ers, who mightn’t catch up until late in the third quarter, when a layup by Brunson gave the Knicks a 68-67 lead.
Philadelphia’s NBA most valuable player, Joel Embiid has been hampered by pain in his recently operated on left knee.
The 76ers were furious that the officials didn’t respond to their call for a time-out in the critical seconds, Embiid added a punch on the missed foul call.
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“It was unacceptable to put us in that situation. Everyone on the court tried to call a time-out, but they didn’t give it to us,” Embiib said.
“But forget regarding time-outs, there were a lot of unacceptable fouls. We will win this series. We are the better team and we will keep fighting,” he added.
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and Jarrett Allen added 16 points and 20 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a dominant win over the Magic. The Cavs, have posted two straight wins.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 21 points and Franz Wagner added 18 points. The young Magic will hope to turn things around when the series turns to Orlando. (AFP/Z-3)
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