The New York Knicks didn't just win the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals. They imposed a tone, a control, and a confidence that continues to grow.

At Madison Square Garden, New York beat the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98, extending a historic momentum in the playoffs.

The Knicks became the first team in NBA history to win three consecutive playoff games by at least 25 points, while also leading by 30 points or more in three straight games. A rare, sustained, and above all, controlled dominance.

At the heart of this demonstration, Jalen Brunson once again dictated the tempo. The point guard scored 35 points, including 27 in the first half, immediately putting the Sixers under pressure. But true to the team's mindset, he preferred to emphasize the details rather than the margin of victory:

"These details, this attention to detail... that's what will help us when the games are close."

Coach Mike Brown also expressed caution, opening his press conference with a clear message:

"We need to do better."

Before adding:

"When you're in the playoffs, a lot of things have to go your way. You have to stay healthy, you need a little bit of success, some luck... and this team is embracing that process."

For now, everything seems to be falling into place. The Knicks have shot over 60%, shared the ball smoothly, and displayed impressive cohesion. New York's English-Nigerian OG Anunoby contributed 18 points with formidable efficiency, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 17 points, symbols of a perfectly oiled machine.

On the other side, the signs are much more worrying. Joel Embiid, the Cameroonian center and leader of the Sixers, had a difficult night with 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting, often hampered by the New York defense and unable to impose his rhythm. Philly's other star, Tyrese Maxey, had to wait until the second quarter to score his first basket.

This poor performance comes in an already tense atmosphere. Before the series, Embiid had called on Philadelphia fans not to sell their tickets to Knicks supporters, after a previous game where the arena had transformed into a veritable “Madison Square Garden 2.0.” The team even took measures by limiting ticket sales to local residents.

But for now, the series is being played out in New York. And at the Garden, the atmosphere leaves no room for doubt. As the gap widened, the chants targeting Embiid intensified, increasing the pressure on the 2023 MVP.

One thing is certain: the Knicks aren't content with just winning. They're moving forward with a newfound certainty: that they've found their rhythm, their identity, and perhaps the perfect moment to aim much higher.