Knicks Show "HART" in Series Opening Win over Sixers

 KNICKS 111 - SIXERS 104 

The Knicks were all about "HART" on Saturday night as shooting guard Josh Hart lit a charge into Madison Square Garden that could be heard all the way down I-95 as he powered New York to a thrilling 111-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Worlds Most Famous Arena. 

The Knicks lead the best-of-seven opening round series 1-0. 

Josh Hart. Getty Images

 

Hart dropped down 22-points, tied for the game's lead with Jalen Brunson, but it was the way in which Hart did it that stood out. Hart was 4-of-8 from downtown; three of those shots came in the fourth quarter as New York pulled away with the victory. 

His final three-ball with 1:55 to go, which was quickly followed up by a three from OG Anunoby had the Garden crowd on its feet, as they chanted, "Go New York, Go New York, Go!" 

It wasn't a one-man show, of course. No sir. Because for a large portion of the night, Miles McBridge was great too for the Knicks. 

His 21-points off the bench energized the New York crowd, who chanted "DUUUUUUUUCE" each time he got his hands on the ball and started driving through the lane, looking for a shot. 

 

McBride's driving layup with 8:25 to go in the game gave New York an 86-84 lead. It was a huge shot in the arm for the Knicks, who had watched Philadelphia storm back in the third quarter to take an 82-79 lead going into the Game One's final stanza. McBride's efforts helped turn the tied fairly quickly.

Later, McBride's 24-foot three pointer gave New York a 91-86 advantage, putting New York firmly in control. From there Brunson and Hart stepped on the gas the rest of the way. 

Mitchell Robinson who took the brunt of some hard fouls against Sixers big man, Joel Embiid, still held his own against Philly's best player. He kept Embiid under 30 points, and recorded 12 boards for the Knicks.  

Overall, the Knicks were just the better team from down town, hitting on 45 percent of their three-point attempts vs. the 34-percent rate for Philadelphia. That was the difference. When the Sixers had a chance to bump and get physical with the Knicks, New York withstood it and took delivered the punishment right back. 

The Knicks and Sixers will meet again Monday night in Game 2 at the Garden. 

Oh, and there is hockey on Sunday too. The Rangers open their playoff series with Washington. What a time for the Garden.