Towns scores 17 and Knicks crush Sixers in the start of the semifinals

NEW YORK. — With a dominant performance by Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks crushed the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brunson led the New York attack with 35 points, setting the pace from the start on a night when the home team dominated from start to finish at Madison Square Garden. The point guard was key from the first quarter, where he scored 14 of his team's 33 points, and reached halftime with 27 units, signing one of the best first halves in recent playoffs for the franchise. The Knicks, who were more rested after eliminating Atlanta in the previous round, set a blistering pace with 68% effectiveness in the first period, leaving the Sixers, who came from a demanding series against Boston, with no answer. In addition to Brunson, OG Anunoby contributed 18 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 in the resounding victory. For the Sixers, Joel Embiid scored 14 points in 25 minutes, while Tyrese Maxey scored 13 and Paul George added 17. Faced with the large disadvantage, coach Nick Nurse chose to rest his main players from the third quarter. "We have to focus on the next game. This goes back to zero," Brunson said after the match, downplaying the large difference. The second game of the series will be played on Wednesday, again in New York, where the Knicks will seek to extend their lead.