Knicks Take 2-0 Lead, But Anunoby Exits
New York survives 25 lead changes to beat Philly 108-102, then loses its most valuable defender
The New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in Game 2 on May 6 to go up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but OG Anunoby left with a hamstring issue that clouds Game 3 in Philly tonight. Tyrese Maxey scored 26 for the Sixers. Nobody else crossed 20.
Anunoby's absence would be a real problem. His net rating is 6.9 points better when he is on the floor this postseason, the best such number on the roster. If he sits, Tom Thibodeau leans deeper into a bench and a rotation that hasn't been seriously tested in this series.
Game 2 was not clean. The Knicks survived 25 lead changes and needed a late 9-0 run to put Philadelphia away. New York has built a combined points differential of 135 over their last four playoff opponents, the largest in NBA playoff history over that span, but this one was a scrape.
The math still favors New York, series and standings wise. The Sixers need to win three straight to advance. History cuts against the Knicks, though: over the last three years they are 0-3 in Game 3s when holding a 2-0 lead, all as underdogs. Tip in Philadelphia is 7:00 p.m. ET.