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PHILADELPHIA — With OG Anunoby sidelined, the Knicks faced the daunting task of filling the void left by his absence.
However, the team rose to the occasion with determination and teamwork.
The starting lineup received a significant boost from Mikal Bridges, who scored an impressive 23 points, marking his second-highest performance of the postseason. Meanwhile, the bench played a crucial role as Landry Shamet, previously out of the rotation, made a decisive impact by contributing 15 points and helping to secure the victory.
The entire roster embraced larger roles and responsibilities, leading the Knicks to a commanding 108-94 victory over the 76ers on Friday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. This triumph pushed the Knicks to a 3-0 lead in the series.
“It was definitely a team effort,” remarked Jalen Brunson. “We obviously want everyone back healthy, but it was crucial for everyone to step up and maintain the right mindset. You have to do whatever it takes to win.”
Friday was too soon for Anunoby, who was out with the right hamstring strain he suffered in Game 2. Subsequent imaging revealed that it is a “very minor” strain, The Post’s Stefan Bondy previously reported, and he is considered day to day with confidence he should not miss much time.
The Knicks would not elaborate Friday whether Anunoby is able to run or what he is actually able to do on the court.
Miles McBride started in place of Anunoby, but he struggled with his shot. It was Shamet who was more effective helping to fill the void, and he ended up playing more than McBride — 26 minutes compared to 21. Shamet went 5-for-6 from the field and 2-for-3 from 3-point range.
“Landry hadn’t played a drop all playoffs,” coach Mike Brown said. “I think the first game, he was in the rotation and then the second game a little bit, then he was out. That’s six, seven games that he hadn’t seen significant minutes on the court. Landry was huge for us tonight. He was huge on both ends of the floor.
“We needed a spark from somebody when we were down and they hit us in the mouth and Landry gave it to us.”
Anunoby has arguably been the Knicks’ most consistent player this postseason, averaging 20.3 points on stellar 61.9 percent shooting from the field and 53.8 percent shooting from 3-point range. His defense — on Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu in the first round against the Hawks and primarily Paul George in this second-round series against the 76ers — has been superb.
Without Anunoby, Bridges at times had to slide down and guard George and was extremely effective. After scoring 15 points in the first quarter, George went scoreless the rest of the way and missed all nine shots he took.
“Everyone picked it up,” Josh Hart said. “It’s one of those things where it’s next man up. Obviously we say that but that just means it’s more opportunity for guys. Mikal did an amazing job. Deuce [McBride] gave us what he had. Landry, the ultimate professional, giving us big minutes offensively and defensively. We responded well to that adversity.”