PHILADELPHIA — In a thrilling match, Jalen Brunson showcased his incredible talent by scoring 16 of his impressive 38 points during the fourth quarter and overtime. His performance was pivotal in leading the New York Knicks to a hard-fought victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 125-119 on Wednesday night. This game not only highlighted Brunson’s scoring prowess but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure as he carried the team to victory in clutch moments.

Alongside Brunson, Josh Hart made significant contributions, recording the 11th triple-double of his career with a remarkable stat line of 10 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. Additionally, Mikal Bridges added 23 points, while OG Anunoby chipped in with 17 points, demonstrating the Knicks’ depth and teamwork as they won a rematch of last year’s intense first-round playoff series. The collective efforts of these players were crucial in overcoming their opponents and securing the win.

On the other side, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with a stellar performance, scoring 33 points. Paul George also had a strong showing with 26 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 16 points along with 10 rebounds. Despite these efforts, the team struggled to close out the game, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup and the challenges they faced against a determined Knicks squad.

Both teams were missing their All-Star centers, which significantly impacted their strategies. Joel Embiid, suffering from a left foot sprain, was ruled out for the sixth consecutive game, while Karl-Anthony Towns missed this matchup due to a right thumb sprain. The absence of these key players created an opportunity for others to step up, yet it also underscored the challenges each team faced in maintaining their performance without their star athletes.

For the Knicks, this victory came after a rough stretch where they lost five out of their last seven games following a nine-game winning streak in December. The team managed to secure 29 points from their bench, with Miles McBride contributing 13 points and Precious Achiuwa adding 10. This depth became crucial in their success against Philadelphia, as bench contributions often play a vital role in the outcome of closely contested games.

Conversely, the 76ers had started strong, winning 10 of their last 13 games from late November; however, they have now faced a downturn, losing seven out of their last nine, including four of five home games in 2025. They remain in a tough position, having played 10 games this season with Embiid, Maxey, and George all starting together, which highlights their struggle to find consistent success as a unit.

After narrowly missing a chance to win the game in regulation, the Knicks quickly seized control in overtime by scoring the first eight points. Anunoby electrified the crowd with a powerful dunk, followed by Brunson who added six points, including a crucial three-pointer and three free throws. This burst of scoring showcased the Knicks’ resilience and ability to capitalize on critical moments in the game.

Throughout the game, the 76ers faced a challenging uphill battle, trailing by as many as 16 points and never taking the lead. They managed to tie the game five times in the second half, displaying their determination and fighting spirit. Maxey’s layup with just three seconds left in regulation was crucial in sending the game to overtime, proving that they weren’t ready to give up easily despite their struggles.

Looking ahead, the Knicks will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, as they aim to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the 76ers are set to face another challenge as they begin a back-to-back series on Saturday in Indiana. Both teams will be looking to make adjustments and capitalize on their upcoming matchups to improve their standings as the season progresses.