The New York Knicks defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, taking a 2-0 series lead. Philadelphia plays without star center Joel Embiid after he is ruled out about six hours before tipoff with a sprained right ankle. Despite his absence, the 76ers keep the game close for much of the matchup and “hang tough” early and mid-game. However, they struggle late, scoring only 12 points in the fourth quarter. New York uses that late scoring push to pull ahead and secure the win. The loss extends Philadelphia’s challenge in the series, putting the 76ers down 2-0 after failing to match the Knicks’ production in the closing minutes. Both outlets describe a similar storyline: Embiid’s absence due to injury is a significant factor, and the Knicks take advantage of Philadelphia’s late-game scoring limitations to control the final stretch.