New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks shut down Sixers in final minutes to take 3-1 lead

By Sean Keane | Last updated 4/28/24

Joel Embiid scored 50 points on Friday. On Sunday, the Knicks held him to one point in the fourth quarter.

In an intense game where six players logged 39 minutes or more, the Sixers didn’t make a field goal in the final five minutes and the New York Knicks took Game 4, 97-92. Precious Achiuwa blocked three shots in the final minutes to help shut down Embiid and Co.

Precious Achiuwa with the clutch block to force a shot clock violation!

Knicks lead 92-89 with less than 3 minutes to play on ABC pic.twitter.com/g1BkTo9zmJ
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2024

Even Jalen Brunson got a late block on a Tyrese Maxey layup attempt. The undersized Knicks were able to play tough interior defense with Achiuwa and OG Anunoby guarding the much bigger Embiid, and 6-foot-4 Josh Hart collecting three blocks.

JOSH HART STANDS TALL AT THE RIM ❌

NYK-PHI | 4Q Game 4 on ABC pic.twitter.com/RbVdfekmsJ
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2024

As for the Knicks offense, Brunson took care of that. He had 47 points, almost half of his entire team’s total.

BRUNSON FLOATS IT UP. KNICKS BY 6.

Jalen has 45 points... 55.5 seconds to play on ABC. pic.twitter.com/64f0VuIGW9
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2024

The Knicks won Game 4 with their defense, but it’s very helpful to have a guy put up 47 while you’re winning with defense.

Now, they’ll head back to New York with a chance at sending the Sixers home in Game 5. If the first four games are any indication, Game 5 will be a rock fight as well.

More must-reads: