Jalen Brunson, Knicks Prevail in Return to Philadelphia

The New York Knicks' Villanova contingent once again came up big at Wells Fargo Center.
Jan 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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There was no KAT for the New York Knicks, but their Cats were more than happy to pick up the slack in a familiar locale.

With Karl-Anthony Towns relegated a spectator due to a thumb injury, the Knicks' Villanova contingent had another sterling evening at Wells Fargo Center, as former Villanova Wildcats Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart each rose to the occasion in a 125-119 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Despite some late tension, the Knicks (27-15) tipped off the second half of their season on the right note thanks to their Main Line trio: Brunson scored a game-best 38 points, Bridges put in 23 more with most earned on a 5-of-10 output from three-point range, while Hart had yet another triple-double, pulling in 17 rebounds, dishing out 12 assists, and scoring 10 points.

Jalen Brunson
Jan 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

An extra five minutes were required to secure this win after Tyrese Maxey stole an inbounds pass that landed in Brunson's hands and forced overtime with a shot that counted after Precious Achiuwa was charged with goaltending. A 16-5 run in overtime (including eight in a row to open the frame), however, pushed the Knicks to a divisional triumph, their second over Philadelphia this season.

Appropriately enough, the Wildcats sealed the deal: Brunson scored half of the Knicks' points in the final while Hart found Bridges for an alley-oop dagger that sent Sixers fans sprinting for the exits.

Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims stepped in for Towns and took advantage of a Sixers group missing Joel Embiid. Sims got the start and helped the Knicks build an early lead with six offensive rebounds while Achiuwa had 10 points and six boards off the bench.

Energized by an early outpouring from Bridges (hitting his first three triple tries and scoring 16 points in the first 24) and reserve Miles McBride (10 points in relief), the Knicks jumped out to an early lead that summitted at 16. But the Sixers fought back in the third, thrust themselves back into the game thanks to a 38-25 advantage in the third, a combined 24 coming from the arms of Maxey and Paul George. The duo each shot 5-of-8 as part of a period where Philadelphia shot over 68 percent combined.

The Knicks' defense cracked down in the fourth, forcing four turnovers and doubling up on Maxey. That, however, wasn't enough to fully stifle the Sixers, who enjoyed a bench boost from Justin Edwards before Maxey recovered well enough to extend the game. Philadelphia (15-24) generated four ties in the fourth but couldn't take the lead, who often found a response in Brunson's hands.

Josh Hart
Jan 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives agains New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

That played to perfection in the finale: atoning for his late error, Brunson had a role in each of the first 10 points, assisting on OG Anunoby's dunk to open the frame before getting the next eight on his own, three alone on a trio of free throws coming on a George foul.

The reeling Sixers dropped their fourth consecutive game and remained two games behind Chicago for the fourth and final Eastern Conference Play-In spot. With Embiid sitting alongside Andre Drummond, Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and Jared McCain, Maxey led the way with 33 points. The Knicks swept the couple at Wells Fargo Center for the second consecutive season and will face the Sixers in Manhattan on Feb. 26.

The Knicks face a homecoming weekend clash on Friday night, as Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle will visit Madison Square Garden as Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).

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Geoff Magliocchetti
GEOFF MAGLIOCCHETTI

Editor-In-Chief at All Knicks