The New York Knicks have turned into one of the hottest teams in the postseason, as they crafted another blowout victory in Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Typically, when a series opens up in blowout fashion, it leads to bold predictions that favor a sweep–or something close to it.
In round one, the Sixers already experienced that. In the first game of the playoffs, the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics 123-91. They also suffered a 128-96 blowout in Game 4, which put them down 1-3.
Ultimately, the Sixers won the series. That’s why Jalen Brunson wants to pump the brakes on the Knicks getting ahead of themselves.
Jalen Brunson Has A Key Takeaway vs Sixers
“Honestly, you’ve got to take this game with a grain of salt,” Brunson told reporters after the Knicks’ 137-98 victory.
“Just kind of move forward. I don’t think we’re going to be seeing that team, the same one in Game 1 and Game 2. They are going to be ready to go.”
The 76ers had a takeaway that proved just that. A blowout is unfortunate, but a loss is a loss either way. The Knicks won’t get extra points in the series for winning in that fashion, so the 76ers shouldn’t let the final score affect the way see the series moving forward.
The Knicks Need To Stay Sharp
The Sixers bounced back from their blowout in Game 1 against Boston by stealing a game on the road without Joel Embiid on the court. It was an impressive win that stunned the hoops world.
The Knicks are going to look to avoid that scenario. By now, they know what the 76ers are capable of this postseason, and they have to counter whatever adjustments that Nick Nurse makes in Game 2.