The New York Knicks have punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers.
New York closed out the series without dropping a single game, capping a run that saw the Knicks build a commanding 3-0 lead before finishing the job. according to ESPN, the Knicks are returning to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Defense was the engine driving New York down the stretch. The Knicks leaned on their defensive intensity late in games to seize control of the series, a pattern that showed up as early as the game that pushed them to a 3-0 advantage.
Jalen Brunson was central to the closing effort, with his play in the decisive moments helping New York shut the door on Philadelphia and take the 4-0 series lead that completed the sweep.
