New York Knicks Hold Off Sixers to Advance to East Semis

All the New York Knicks needed was just a little bit of Hart ... as in Josh Hart that is.

The shooting forward was once again center stage for New York when he drained a three-pointer at the top of the key that gave the Knicks a 114-111 lead with 25 seconds to play. It was a lead they would not relinquish, holding off the Sixers 118-115 when the final buzzer sounded in an epic Game 6 in Philadelphia.

“I was able to get my feet set and just shoot an open uncontested shot,” Hart said afterward.

In many ways when Hart took that shot, the Knicks finally got their proverbial feet set because for nearly 48 whole minutes New York Knicks fans were on pins and needles watching two old division rivals duke it out in an instant classic.

It was easy to forget that the New York Knicks held a 28-9 lead at one point in the first quarter, only to watch that 19-point lead disappear by the end of the first when Philadelphia caught fire. Buddy Hield and Kelly Obure Jr. were draining three-pointers like they were going out of style in the second quarter. The capper came when Hield drained a 22-foot jumper from the corner while falling down to give the Sixers a 54-49 lead with 7.1 seconds to go before halftime.

Things only got worse for the Knicks by the third quarter.

The Knicks lacked composure early as Joel Embiid started to dominate again, draining a pair of long-distance shots, and a 16-foot jumper to help Philly grab a seven-point advantage. Finally, Game 5 hero, Tyrese Maxey knocked down a 27-footer to put the Sixers up 10, 71-61.

It felt like Game 7 was an inevitability.

But the Knicks didn't give up. Isaiah Hartenstein hit a couple of jumpers to get the Knicks back into the mix. Three minutes later Donte DiVincenzo slammed home a dunk to cut the Philly lead to three points, 83-80. Finally, O.G. Anunoby caught fire when he drilled a three-pointer to tie the game to finish the quarter.

Anunoby dominated in the fourth quarter. In many ways it was the Anunoby/Jalen Brunson show as the Knicks took off and left the Sixers in the dust.

Anunoby accounted for seven points in the final stanza, including a ridiculous slam dunk with 2:48 to go that gave the Knicks an eight-point edge.

Brunson was unstoppable. Of his 41 points, 14 of them came in the fourth quarter.

The New York Knicks will get ready to host the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Semifinals. Date and time are still TBA.

MORE NEW YORK KNICKS

Star Wars Day is almost upon us and New Jersey is readying itself for the celebration! The Garden State can be a big place if you aren't sure where to go, so to make it a little easier we have cultivated a short list of spots celebrating George Lucas' greatest achievement in fun and unique ways.

If it was not obvious already, the date originated from the pun "May The Fourth Be With You", from the popular catchphrase of the Science Fiction Franchine, "May The Force Be With You". The holiday was not actually created by Lucasfilm, but rather, this became a rallying call for fans of the movies.

Many fans choose to celebrate the day, and it has since been embraced by LucasFilm and Disney, with both companies often promoting events and deals of their own.

The Garden State is never afraid of a celebration and Star Wars Day is no different. This is a day to let your fandom fly proudly with others. Whether you walk on the side of light with the Jedi, the dark side with the Sith, or are a humble Wookie, there are many ways to celebrate. Now on to the list...

For those whose favorite part of the franchise is the legendary compositions of John Williams will not want to miss this. Starting at 1:00, join UCPAC on their “Biggest Little Wurlitzer” with Eric Fahner playing John Williams compositions. This will be followed by a digital presentation of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at 2:00 PM. Admission is free! The Cafe bar will also be open for food and drinks!

A long time ago in a village far far away, but not really. Travel to Pier Village, dressed as your favorite Star Wars Character, and revel in the festivities that would have an Ewok blushing. From 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, enjoy a lovely artisan market, and Star Wars-themed pet contests.  Want something a little more adventurous? 11:30 - 12:30, become one with the force and begin your Jedi training (purpose yoga).  Boardwalk games, character meet and greets,  cosmic bracelet making, there is plenty to do for everyone in the family who is a fan.    

For the more adult crowd, be sure to check out Boogie Nights for their ultimate Star Wars celebration.  Dress up, dance,  and enjoy the 70s, 80s, and 90s, musical stylings akin to that of the Max Rebo Band playing at Jabba's Palace. This starts at 11:00 PM and admission is $25 Dollars.  

For those who want to relax, and kick their feet up, the Barrymore Film Center is the place to be! Starting at 7:30, watch the movie that started it all -- Star Wars: A New Hope...or episode IV, for those born AFTER the prequels. 

A little bonus for those who choose to walk the path of the dark side! The Wayne NJ Toy Show is hosting its monthly event. As one would imagine, there will be tons of Star Wars memorabilia among the sports cards, toys, comic books,s and other collectibles.