Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart star for Knicks in OT win over 76ers

Field Level Media|published: Wed 15th January, 22:12 2025

Jan 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) dribbles the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson scored 38 points and Josh Hart posted a triple-double as the visiting New York Knicks nipped the Philadelphia 76ers 125-119 in overtime on Wednesday.

Mikal Bridges contributed 23 points and OG Anunoby scored 17 for New York, which had lost five of its previous seven games. The Knicks played without center Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb), which created more opportunities for Hart to accumulate 10 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and four steals.

Philadelphia has lost four straight games, all without Joel Embiid (foot). Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers in this one with 33 points, while Paul George notched 26.

On the first possession of overtime, Brunson found Anunoby for a dunk. Brunson knocked down a 3-pointer on the next trip and then he was fouled on a long-range shot (and made all three free throws) to put New York ahead 117-109.

Guerschon Yabusele's 3-pointer with just over two minutes left kept the Sixers breathing, but the Knicks scored the next six points to make it 125-114. Hart's steal and alley-oop feed to Bridges sealed the deal.

Philadelphia trailed by 10 with under 3 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter before a furious rally -- capped by Jeff Dowtin Jr.'s banked-in 3-pointer at the buzzer -- forged an 85-85 tie after three quarters.

New York regained the momentum early in the fourth, taking a seven-point lead on Miles McBride's 3-pointer with 7:25 to go. However, Philadelphia's Justin Edwards scored the next five points to keep the hosts close, and then he made a 3-pointer with 3:03 left to draw the Sixers even at 102-102.

With about 2:15 left in regulation, Hart stole the ball around midcourt and went in for a dunk to give New York the lead. On the next possession, Hart found Anunoby in the corner for a 3-pointer to create a five-point game.

Philadelphia rallied behind Maxey, who recorded a three-point play and then knocked down two free throws in the final minute. Then, following a steal, the All-Star guard zoomed in for the tying layup with 3.2 seconds left.

Anunoby missed

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