Jalen Brunson scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half for the New York Knicks, who remained red-hot by routing the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 137-98, in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series yesterday (Philippine time).

The Knicks, who eliminated the Atlanta Hawks with a 140-89 win in a first-round series, became just the second team in NBA history to end one series and begin another with consecutive victories by at least 30 points.

These Knicks, who won the final three games over the Hawks by a combined 96 points, are the first NBA team to win three straight playoff games by at least 25 points apiece.

New York picked up where it left off on both ends of the floor against Atlanta.

The Knicks also allowed fewer than 100 points for the fourth straight game.

OG Anunoby had 18 points while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 17 points each.

Starters Towns, Bridges and Josh Hart all exited late in the third quarter while Brunson and Anunoby sat the entire fourth.

Paul George scored 17 points for the 76ers, who advanced to the conference semifinals by overcoming a three games to one deficit against the Celtics — the first such comeback in Philadelphia history.

Joel Embiid had 14 points while Tyrese Maxey scored 13 points. VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre, Jr. each added 12 points.

The 76ers took a one-possession lead five times in the first quarter, but Brunson hit the go-ahead basket for the Knicks every time, including the three-pointer with 3:57 left that put New York up for good at 21-19.

The Knicks went ahead by double digits for good at 49-37 on Towns’ three-pointer with 6:43 left in the second. Brunson ended the half on his own 11-3 run to extend New York’s lead to 74-51.

The Knicks led 109-78 at the end of the third and led by as many as 40 in the fourth. (Field Level Media / Reuters)

Caption

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre, Jr. (Brad Penner / Imagn Images / Reuters)