The New York Knicks’ 2026 playoff run has gone from impressive to historic.
ESPN Insights noted during the Knicks’ Eastern Conference semifinals opener against the Philadelphia 76ers that New York had led by at least 30 points in each of its last three playoff games. According to ESPN Insights, the Knicks are the only team in the play-by-play era, which dates back to 1997-98, to lead by 30-plus points in three straight playoff games.
The Knicks defeated the 76ers 137-98 in Game 1. Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 35 points on 12-for-18 shooting.
That is not just a fun broadcast stat. It is another sign that New York has found a postseason gear that changes the way the Eastern Conference race looks.
The Knicks entered the second round with momentum after eliminating the Atlanta Hawks in six games, then carried that same force into their rivalry series with Philadelphia. The 76ers arrived after a seven-game upset of the Boston Celtics, with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading Philadelphia back from a 3-1 series deficit.
New York’s response was not subtle. The Knicks again built a massive lead, extending a playoff trend that now separates this group from every team in the modern play-by-play database.
They’re the ONLY team in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) to lead by 30+ PTS in 3-straight playoff games 🔥
Knicks Make NBA History vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The stat matters because of the opponent and the moment.
Philadelphia did not limp into Madison Square Garden. The 76ers had just taken out the defending Eastern power in Boston and entered the series with real belief after Embiid’s 34-point, 12-rebound Game 7 performance against the Celtics.
The Knicks still jumped them.
New York’s formula has been the same through this historic stretch: quick scoring from Jalen Brunson, enough floor spacing around Karl-Anthony Towns, pressure defense from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, and second-chance punishment when opponents start missing under pressure.
That is what separates this from an ordinary hot streak. The Knicks are not merely winning close playoff games late. They are putting opponents in survival mode early.
That is especially important against Philadelphia, a team built around star shot-making. If the Knicks can keep forcing the 76ers to chase large deficits, they can also put more strain on Embiid’s conditioning and make Maxey and Paul George play uphill for long stretches.
h/t @bball_ref
The Knicks Also Set NBA History vs. the Atlanta Hawks
The 76ers game came only days after the Knicks authored one of the most lopsided playoff performances in franchise history.
New York closed out Atlanta with a 140-89 win in Game 6, a result the New York Post described as the Knicks’ largest playoff victory in franchise history.
That is where this current run started to look like something bigger than a series win.
Knicks Now Favorites to Win Eastern Conference
The betting market has noticed.
BetMGM listed the Knicks as the favorites to win the 2026 Eastern Conference championship at +150, ahead of the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers and 76ers. BetMGM’s Shane Thurston noted that New York’s updated odds implied a 40% probability to come out of the East.
FOX Sports had a similar board from DraftKings, listing New York at +140 to win the East, followed by Detroit at +250, Cleveland at +330 and Philadelphia at +650.
They have already put together three straight playoff games with 30-point leads. Now the question is whether those blowouts are the sign of a team peaking at exactly the right time, and whether Philadelphia can stop the Knicks before the East starts to feel like New York’s to lose.
New York Knicks Made More NBA History vs. Philadelphia 76ers