Knicks' playoff win streak accomplishes rarity for franchise

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to drive past Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30) during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Knicks' playoff win streak accomplishes rarity for franchise

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 6, 2026 11:52 PM ET

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The New York Knicks' 108-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers accomplished far more than just taking a 2-0 series lead in their second-round matchup.

In fact, the win officially made the 2026 postseason historic for the Knicks, no matter how far they advance. Looking like the clear favorite to come out of the East, the Knicks have now won five playoff games in a row, dating back to taking the last three of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.

It's been all positive vibes for the Knicks as of late

New York's five-game win streak, one that's included winning four of the games in blowout fashion, marks only the fourth such occurrence in a single postseason in Knicks history. And acting as a good omen, the Knicks reached the NBA Finals in each of the last two postseasons with a five-game win streak for the franchise (1999 and 1972).

They also won five in a row during the 1971 playoffs, but lost to the then-Baltimore Bullets in the Conference Finals.

Jalen Brunson led the way again

As par for the course, Jalen Brunson led the way in New York's latest victory on Wednesday night. Brunson scored 27 points in 41 minutes while also bringing down one rebound and dishing out six assists.

cap gets it to drop pic.twitter.com/PWkNZYja87
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 7, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns has been a walking double-double throughout the playoffs

Able to dominate as the lone true big of the game with Joel Embiid out of action for the 76ers, Karl-Anthony Towns put up 20 points and yet another double-double — he also had 10 rebounds, seven assists, and a steal.

Stepping up again, OG Anunoby recorded 24 points, Mikal Bridges had 18 points, five rebounds and a couple of helpers as well.

Now with Embiid's status up in the air, the Knicks are two wins away from making a return trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. But just getting back to round three won't be enough this year. The Knicks' win streak and the remaining landscape of the conference have the bar clearly set at getting to the NBA Finals at minimum.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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