Knicks crush 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 as Brunson scores 35

MSG was a problem Monday night. The Knicks dropped 137 on the 76ers in Game 1 of the East semis and won by 39. Jalen Brunson had 27 of his 35 points in the first half. The game was over by halftime.

The Knicks shot 61.4% from the field and went 19-of-37 from three (51.4%). OG Anunoby went 7-of-8 for 18 points. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each added 17. Joel Embiid was held to 14. Tyrese Maxey to 13. Philly never got going.

With the win, New York became the first team in NBA history to win three straight postseason games by 25 or more. They closed the first round with two blowouts of Detroit and opened the second round with this. Game 2 is Wednesday at MSG. Nick Nurse, who attended his brother's funeral Tuesday, is expected to coach. He'll need a rotation reset before Game 2 — anything less and this is a sweep watch.