New York Knicks outlast Philadelphia 76ers to reach East semi-finals

Josh Hart raised his arms and extended three fingers to each hand on his go-ahead three-pointer from the top of the arc with 24.4 seconds left, which was ultimately enough to put the New York Knicks past the Philadelphia 76ers 118-115 send in Game 6 on Thursday night and in the second round of the playoffs.

Jalen Brunson had 41 points and 12 assists to lead the Knicks, who are set for an Eastern Conference semifinal against Indiana. The Pacers defeated Milwaukee in six games to advance to the second round for the first time in a decade.

Game 1 is Monday in New York.

The Knicks have advanced to the second round in consecutive years for the first time since the 1992-2000 postseasons.

In a series marked by tight games, Hart hit the clutch shot with another “Let’s go Knicks!” chants echo through Philly’s home field. Joel Embiid scored a bucket but fouled out on the next possession. Donte DiVincenzo sealed New York’s victory with two free throws.

Naturally, it was the former Villanova Wildcats trio of Hart, DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson that saved the Knicks from a first-half collapse, which was almost enough to force a Game 7. DiVincenzo scored 23 points and Hart had 16.

Embiid finished with 39 points and 13 rebounds. Buddy Hield had 20 points. After dropping 45 points in Game 5, Tyrese Maxey was a non-factor in the first half, finishing with 17.