Knicks Take Command as Brunson Earns MVP Chants After Game 3 Win

The New York Knicks continued their dominant postseason run Friday night with a 108-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the victory, New York now holds a commanding 3-0 lead in the series and sits on the verge of a sweep.

Once again, the Knicks leaned heavily on the leadership and production of Jalen Brunson, who delivered another standout playoff performance. The All-Star guard controlled the pace from the opening quarter and consistently found ways to break down Philadelphia’s defense throughout the night.

Brunson was not alone in carrying the offensive burden. Mikal Bridges provided critical scoring support and timely baskets that helped New York maintain control whenever the 76ers attempted to close the gap. Together, the duo proved too much for Philadelphia to handle.

The atmosphere after the final buzzer reflected the growing confidence surrounding this Knicks team. Despite playing on the road in Philadelphia, loud chants of “MVP” echoed through the arena as Brunson walked toward the locker room, highlighting the increasing national attention surrounding his postseason performances.

1. Brunson Leads Another Complete Performance

Brunson finished the game with a team-high 33 points while shooting 11-for-22 from the field. He also added five rebounds and nine assists, continuing a postseason stretch in which he has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments for New York. The Knicks guard showed composure throughout the game, especially during key stretches when Philadelphia attempted to build momentum. Whether creating his own shot or setting up teammates, Brunson remained in full control offensively and dictated the flow of the contest from start to finish. His performance further strengthened the growing belief among fans and analysts that Brunson belongs among the NBA’s elite players. The chants that followed him off the court reflected not only appreciation for one game, but recognition of the consistency he has shown over the last several months. Earlier in the season, Brunson was viewed as an outside contender in the MVP race because of the strong campaigns being put together by stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Still, Brunson quietly built an impressive résumé by averaging 26.0 points and 6.8 assists during the regular season while leading New York near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

2. Bridges Gives Knicks Another Offensive Weapon

While Brunson drew much of the attention, Bridges once again proved to be a critical piece of New York’s success. The versatile wing scored 23 points on an efficient 8-for-14 shooting performance and consistently delivered timely baskets when the Knicks needed stability. Bridges has become an ideal complement to Brunson during the postseason. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively gives New York flexibility on both ends of the floor, especially in a series where controlling tempo and defensive pressure has been essential. The former Villanova standout also helped the Knicks maintain offensive balance. Whenever Philadelphia focused extra defensive attention on Brunson, Bridges capitalized on open looks and attacked mismatches aggressively. His efficient scoring prevented the 76ers from making any sustained comeback attempt. New York’s supporting cast has played an important role throughout the playoffs, but Bridges’ recent performances have elevated the ceiling of the team. His steady production alongside Brunson has transformed the Knicks into one of the most complete and dangerous groups remaining in the postseason.

3. Knicks Closing In on Another Conference Finals

The Knicks now find themselves in a powerful position heading into Game 4. No NBA team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series, leaving Philadelphia facing nearly impossible odds as the series continues. For New York, the opportunity to complete a sweep would mark another major milestone for a franchise that has steadily rebuilt itself into a legitimate contender. A victory in the next game would secure the Knicks’ second consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Brunson’s leadership has been central to that transformation. Beyond his regular-season success, he also delivered on the league’s biggest stages earlier in the year when he helped guide New York to the NBA Cup title over the San Antonio Spurs. During that tournament run, he earned MVP honors after averaging 33.2 points and 5.8 assists while shooting 53 percent from the field. That level of production has continued into the playoffs, where Brunson has averaged 26.3 points and six assists per game. His performances have drawn praise across the basketball world, including from Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who recently described Brunson as one of the game’s great competitors because of his postseason consistency and leadership.