Knicks Tie Multiple NBA Playoffs Records for Three-Pointers to Sweep 76ers in Game 4

The New York Knicks are not just winning; they are making history. In a performance that will be etched into the franchise’s lore, the Knicks obliterated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, tying multiple NBA Playoffs records for three-pointers made. The final score—144-114—only hints at the sheer dominance displayed at Madison Square Garden. This wasn’t just a sweep; it was a statement. As the Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, one thing is abundantly clear: the show is perfect without him.

The Perfect Storm: How the Knicks Shattered the Record Books

From the opening tip, the Knicks played with a level of precision and confidence that bordered on supernatural. They came out firing, and by the end of the first quarter, they had already tied an NBA Playoffs record for most three-pointers in a quarter with 11. The crowd at the Garden was electric, feeding off every swish from deep. The offensive explosion was a direct result of ball movement and spacing that left the 76ers’ defense scrambling.

By halftime, the Knicks had tied the record for most three-pointers in a half (15), matching a mark set by the Golden State Warriors. The final tally? The Knicks tied the all-time single-game playoff record for three-pointers made, finishing with 24. This triple-record night—first quarter, first half, and full game—was a masterclass in modern NBA offense.

• First Quarter Record: 11 three-pointers, tying the NBA Playoffs record.
• First Half Record: 15 three-pointers, matching the historic mark.
• Game Record: 24 three-pointers, tying the all-time playoff record.

The Knicks seem to enjoy a nice rout in playoff series-clinching games. This was not an isolated incident. Earlier in these NBA Playoffs, they dismantled the Atlanta Hawks in a 51-point blowout in Game 6 of the First Round. Now, they have added a 30-point demolition of a 76ers team that many considered a legitimate title contender. The pattern is emerging: when the Knicks smell blood, they do not just win—they humiliate.

Expert Analysis: The Shooting Clinic That Changed the Series

To understand the magnitude of this performance, we must look beyond the numbers. The Knicks’ offensive efficiency was off the charts. They shot 56.7% from the field and an absurd 52.2% from three-point range (24-of-46). Every starter contributed from deep, and the bench provided a relentless spark. The ball movement was a thing of beauty, with the team recording 32 assists on 47 made field goals.

This shooting clinic was not a fluke. It was the culmination of an offensive system that has been building all season. The Knicks’ ability to space the floor and drive-and-kick to open shooters was simply too much for the 76ers’ defense to handle. Philadelphia, which prides itself on a top-10 defensive rating, looked lost. They were consistently a step slow, and their rotations were non-existent.

Key factors in the Knicks’ historic shooting night:

• Jalen Brunson’s Playmaking: He drew double-teams and found open shooters all night. His 14 assists were a career playoff high.
• Role Player Resurgence: Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Quentin Grimes combined for 14 three-pointers. They were the beneficiaries of the 76ers’ defensive focus on Brunson.
• Early Momentum: The Knicks hit 7 of their first 10 three-pointers, forcing the 76ers to extend their defense, which opened up driving lanes.

From an expert’s perspective, this game was a microcosm of the series. The 76ers had no answer for the Knicks’ pace and spacing. Joel Embiid, the league MVP, was a defensive liability when pulled away from the basket. The Knicks exploited this mercilessly, setting screens at the three-point line and forcing Embiid to either drop back (giving up open shots) or step out (allowing drives to the rim). It was a lose-lose scenario for Philadelphia.

Predictions: What This Sweep Means for the Knicks’ Title Hopes

Winning a playoff series is one thing; doing it with historic offensive efficiency is another. The Knicks have now won eight consecutive games, and they look like a team on a mission. As they await their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals—likely the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat—the question is no longer “Are they for real?” but rather “Can anyone stop them?”

Here are three bold predictions for the Knicks moving forward:

• They will reach the NBA Finals. The Knicks have the best offense in the playoffs (120.3 offensive rating) and a defense that can lock down when needed. Their depth is unmatched. The Eastern Conference Finals will be a battle, but the Knicks’ three-point shooting is becoming a weapon that can neutralize any defensive scheme.
• Jalen Brunson will be a top-3 MVP candidate next season. His playoff performance—averaging 31.2 points and 8.9 assists—has elevated him into the elite tier of NBA point guards. He is the engine of this historic offense.
• The “No Star” Narrative will die. For months, critics said the Knicks lacked a true superstar. After sweeping a team with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, it is clear that the show is perfect without him. The Knicks’ collective brilliance is their star power.

However, there is a cautionary tale. The Knicks must maintain this shooting efficiency. In the NBA Playoffs, shooting can be streaky. If the three-pointers stop falling in a seven-game series, can they win ugly? The answer, based on their defensive tenacity and rebounding, is yes. But the margin for error will be thinner against a team like the Celtics, who have multiple elite perimeter defenders.

Strong Conclusion: A New Era of Knicks Basketball

For decades, the New York Knicks were defined by grit, defense, and a slow-paced, grind-it-out style. That identity is now a relic. The 2024 Knicks are a modern offensive juggernaut, capable of breaking records and demoralizing opponents with a single weapon: the three-point shot. Their 144-point outburst against the 76ers was not just a win; it was a declaration of intent.

As the confetti fell at Madison Square Garden and the chants of “We want Boston!” echoed through the arena, one thing became obvious: this team is different. They are not content with just winning the series. They want to make a statement. And by tying multiple NBA Playoffs records for three-pointers in a sweep, they have done exactly that.

The Knicks have officially arrived. The Eastern Conference Finals await, and with the way this team is shooting, the only limit is the sky. For a franchise that has waited decades for a moment like this, the future has never looked brighter. The show is perfect, and it is playing on Broadway.

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Source: Based on news from Fox Sports.