The New York Knicks are absolutely rolling. They completed a second-round series sweep over the Philadelphia 76ers with a dominant 144-114 victory in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks have now won seven consecutive games heading into the Eastern Conference finals. It will be the second consecutive conference finals appearance for New York. There, they’ll face the winner of the semifinal series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons.
Jalen Brunson Discusses Knicks’ Playoff Mindset After Sweep of 76ers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Immediately after eliminating Philadelphia, Knicks star guard Jalen Bruson provided some insight into the team’s mindset throughout the current playoff run.
“We’re focused. We’re staying poised, staying composed,” Brunson said. “Just focusing on the little things. One day at a time, one game at a time. Not looking ahead at all, staying in the moment.”
When asked if it matters who the Knicks play in the conference finals given how well they’ve been playing, Brunson stressed the “in the moment” mindset.
“One game at a time. One game at a time,” Brunson said. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Knicks Made NBA History From 3-Point Range in Game 4 Win Over Sixers
GettyJalen Brunson #11 celebrates with OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 109-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
If the Knicks shoot as well from long range as they did in Game 4 against Philadelphia, it really might not matter who they face off against in the conference finals. New York converted from distance at a historic rate in the game.
The Knicks set an NBA record with 11 made 3-pointers in the first quarter of Game 4, and they didn’t stop there. Their hot shooting continued into the second quarter where they made seven more triples to tie an NBA playoff record with 18 made 3s in a half.
They slowed down a bit in the second half, mainly because the game was completely out of reach for Philadelphia. But, they still managed to make seven additional 3-pointers in the second half to tie another NBA playoff record with a total of 25 made 3s in the game.
Unless the Knicks cool off from long range, it’s going to be extremely difficult for any other team to slow them down offensively. As a result, they should be feeling pretty confident heading into the conference finals.
Jalen Brunson Reveals Knicks’ Mindset Heading into Eastern Conference Finals