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By Rafael Bandayrel

The New York Knicks opened their second-round series in emphatic fashion, handing the Philadelphia 76ers a 137-98 beatdown in Game 1, Tuesday morning (PH time), at Madison Square Garden.

 

New York seized control early, building a massive 23-point lead before halftime behind a scorching start from Jalen Brunson, who poured in 27 points in the opening half.

 

The domination continued in the third quarter as Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges caught fire, stretching the advantage to 31 and effectively putting the game out of reach.

 

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

 

With the outcome decided early, Nick Nurse pulled his starters in the third, while Mike Brown followed suit on the other end. The Knicks’ bench, however, kept the pressure on as the lead ballooned to as many as 40 in the fourth.

 

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

 

Brunson finished with 35 points despite limited minutes, while OG Anunoby added 18 markers. Towns and Bridges chipped in 17 apiece.

 

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

 

The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead when Game 2 tips off Thursday in New York.