Knicks take 3-0 series lead over 76ers as New York fans cheer on 108-94 win in Philadelphia

But Towns still grappled with Embiid while playing defense and the two fell to the floor at least two times while fighting for position. That got Towns into foul trouble, putting him on the bench with three personal fouls as eight minutes remained before halftime.

Knicks took control in second quarter

The 8:20 mark of the second quarter is also when the Knicks took their first lead of the game on a 3-pointer from Jose Alvarado putting them ahead, 38-35. That was part of an 11-3 run that included a ferocious poster dunk by Mitchell Robinson over Embiid on a lob from Brunson. Eventually, the Knicks outscored the Sixers 26-7 to take a 54-42 lead.

Paul George got off to a scorching start, shooting 6-for-9 in the first quarter and hitting 3-of-4 3-pointers for 15 points. Yet he went scoreless in the second quarter as the Knicks surged ahead. George also showed zero defensive effort after his bad pass was picked off by Bridges for a fast-break layup.

The Knicks got a surprising spark off the bench late in the first quarter and midway through the second with nine points from Shamet, who hit four of his first five shots. That led to New York’s bench outscoring Philadelphia’s 16-0 in the second quarter.

Kelly Oubre Jr. hit a Kawhi Leonard-like 3-pointer from the wing as time expired to cut the Knicks’ halftime lead to 60-52. But despite the score, New York seized control on the court and in the crowd, not letting go on either front.

Philadelphia cut the Knicks’ lead to 78-76 with 2:28 in the third quarter, helped in part by frequently fouling Robinson and hoping he would miss free throws. However, the reserve center somewhat negated that strategy by swishing four of his eight attempts. New York built its lead back up to six points at the free-throw line before Shamet knocked down a 3 to give the Knicks a nine-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday with tip-off at 3:30 p.m. ET.