There are no guarantees. The Knicks have yet to advance past the first round. Crazy things happen during this time: injuries, upsets, unexpected results.
But after Jalen Brunson’s heroics in Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, the superstar guard — yes, that’s a fitting title — is clearly on his way to a franchise playoff record 47 points.
Coach Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks are looking to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. After defeating the 76ers 97-92 in Philadelphia, they have three chances left to send Joel Embiid and the 76ers home starting Tuesday night against the Garden. And neither team they might face looks like a powerhouse.
Milwaukee, which had already trailed 2-1 in the opening game series, lost Giannis Antetokounmpo (left calf) and Damian Lillard (left calf) in Game 4, where the Bucks lost 126-113 to the Pacers on Sunday night. The situation was favorable for the Knicks as he was injured (Grade 1 Achilles tendon injury). as major favorites if they and Indiana both advance. If the Bucks had been healthy and defeated the Pacers as most expected, the Knicks would still have home court advantage. However, although Milwaukee has not yet participated in the postseason, Milwaukee, led by two-time MVP Antetokounmpo, should have been the favorite to win.
