Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, Michell Robinson draw honest takes from Nick Nurse

NEW YORK – The New York Knicks are all set to face a familiar foe in the 2026 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Philadelphia 76ers, who New York dispatched in five games in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, are back in town for Game 1 on Monday night.

76ers head coach Nick Nurse had to gameplan for several key members of this New York roster two years ago, but didn’t have Paul George or standout rookie V.J. Edgecombe on his side just yet. And the Knicks, who were without Julius Randle that postseason, now have a second All-Star to support Jalen Brunson in Karl-Anthony Towns.

Nurse spoke to the challenge Brunson presents as New York’s top scorer ahead of Game 1, setting up a “make or miss” series.

“He’s a great scorer, great clutch player, all that stuff. The biggest thing is, you really want to try to make him work for his buckets. … Throw different matchups at him…start coming to schemes. What are you doing? How much help are you providing? Where’s it coming from? How are we playing pick-and-rolls? … He’s gonna make buckets, I just hope they’re contested. If he makes them, God bless him,” Nurse told reporters at Madison Square Garden.

The Sixers’ biggest stars, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, will toe the same line throughout the series. The Knicks will do their best to limit easy scoring opportunities for the All-Stars. Mitchell Robinson, New York’s longest-tenured player, was crucial to those efforts in 2024. Nurse highlighted the center’s physical tools to close his comments about Robinson.

“He’s really big, and strong, and athletic, and long. Everybody knows he impacts the game, that’s for sure.”

Brunson posted averages of 35.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game when the Knicks beat the 76ers 4-2. Robinson missed Game 4, but still pulled down 22 offensive rebounds in his five appearances against Philadelphia that series. New York will need signature playoff performances from both to keep their run to the NBA Finals going.

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