The New York Knicks strengthened their Eastern Conference semifinals lead to 3-0 with a 108-94 win in Game 3 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Before the game, the Sixers paid tribute to head coach Nick Nurse's late older brother, Steve Nurse, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 last week. Despite the personal loss, Nurse remained with the team and guided the Sixers through a remarkable 3-1 series comeback over the Boston Celtics in the first-round of the playoff series. After Philadelphia's 137-98 blowout Game 1 loss, Nurse reportedly traveled to Ankeny, Iowa, on Tuesday to attend his brother's funeral.
During the pregame tribute, which was intended as a solemn moment of silence, the atmosphere was disrupted when a Knicks supporter shouted “Let’s go, Knicks!” The comment was poorly received, and fans in attendance responded with loud boos directed at the individual for interrupting what was meant to be a respectful tribute.
Following the victory, New York head coach Mike Brown opened his postgame remarks by offering his condolences to Nurse and his family.
“Before I get into the game, I'd like to give my condolences again to Nick Nurse and his family,” said Brown. “That's tough. That's bigger than what we're doing right now. I truly feel for him and the rest of his family.
“What he's trying to do, getting his team ready to play basketball games while dealing with that. I don't know how anybody does that. It's tough. Again, passing my condolences along to him and his family.”
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Mike Brown starts his postgame press conference by offering his condolences to Nick Nurse and his family on the loss of his brother, Stephen pic.twitter.com/WI61cRIFLB
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 9, 2026
On the court, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 33 points, shooting 11-of-22 in 38 minutes, while Mikal Bridges scored 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Josh Hart contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The 76ers saw contributions from Kelly Oubre Jr. with 22 points, Tyrese Maxey with 17, and Joel Embiid with 18 in his return.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
The New York Knicks strengthened their Eastern Conference semifinals lead to 3-0 with a 108-94 win in Game 3 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Before the game, the Sixers paid tribute to head coach Nick Nurse's late older brother, Steve Nurse, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 last week.