How Each Knicks Starter Contributed to Improbable Game 2 Win
By Ryan Amick
Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein may not have hit a game-winning shot, but his effort on both ends of the floor made New York's miraculous finish possible. After a rather pedestrian Game 1 performance, Hartenstein was nearly perfect in Game 2, going 7-for-8 from the field. Hartenstein showed no fear posting up against 76ers superstar Joel Embiid, hitting some tough shots against the 7-footer throughout the contest.
Hartenstein saved his most impactful plays for the chaotic final-minute sequence. After DiVincenzo missed his first attempt at a go-ahead three-pointer, it was Hartenstein who saved the day with an offensive rebound to keep the Knicks alive and set up DiVincenzo's clutch bucket.
With the Knicks now up by one point with 13 seconds left, the 76ers had a chance to take back the lead on the next possession. Maxey used his elite quickness to weave past New York's defense and got to the rim for what looked to be an easy lay-in. Hartenstein "said not so fast," trailing Maxey and leaping for a sensational chase-down block to seal the win for New York.
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson has not looked like himself in New York's first-round series. The 2023 All-Star is shooting under 30% from the field and 16% from three-point range through two games. Even with his uncharacteristically bad shooting, Brunson managed to show up down the stretch in Game 2.
Trailing by five points in the final minute, Brunson put up a corner three that looked short but got a friendly bounce, making it a one-possession game. Immediately after hitting the big shot, Brunson swarmed Maxey on the inbounds pass, causing the 76ers guard to lose the ball and allowing Hart to recover it for the steal.
Despite struggling for 95 minutes across the first two games, Brunson came through in the final minute of Monday's thriller, demonstrating his remarkable poise and unmatched impact on this team.