Knicks Take 3-0 Lead Over 76ers While Mystics Spoil Toronto Tempo’s WNBA Debut

Mikal Bridges added 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting and helped limit Paul George after the 76ers wing’s strong first quarter. Bridges has now delivered four straight strong playoff performances, averaging 20.5 points on 72.3 percent shooting over the last four games.

The Knicks have won six straight playoff games by an average margin of 25.8 points. Karl-Anthony Towns was limited by foul trouble, increasing the importance of Brunson’s contribution. Paul George scored all 15 of his points in the first quarter and was held scoreless thereafter.

The 76ers could not generate enough offense from other sources in the second half. The Knicks improved to 3-0 in the series with Game 4 scheduled for Philadelphia.

The Washington Mystics defeated the Toronto Tempo 68-65 on Friday night in the Tempo’s first game as the WNBA’s first Canadian franchise. Shakira Austin made four free throws in the final 18 seconds, including two with 11 seconds remaining, to secure the victory for Washington.

The sellout crowd of 8,210 watched the home team shoot 5 for 25 from three-point range and 17 for 63 overall from the field. Sonia Citron led the Mystics with 26 points while Austin finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Kiki Iriafen contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Marina Mabrey scored 27 points for the Tempo and Brittney Sykes added 14, but Toronto could not overcome its poor shooting. Sykes made the franchise’s first basket, a pullup jumper from the free-throw line, after Cassandre Prosper opened the scoring with a layup for Washington.

Fans participated in a Karaoke Cam segment in the fourth quarter, singing along to a song by Canadian country music star Shania Twain. The game marked the start of the WNBA’s 30th season, which features several nationally televised matchups involving top players.

The Toronto Tempo enters the league as Canada’s first WNBA franchise and is expected to draw nationwide attention while advancing the league’s international goals. The expansion team’s ownership includes a former executive from the NBA’s Toronto franchise.

Several current and former players from that NBA team attended the game along with a prominent Canadian soccer player. The Knicks’ victory continued their strong postseason form under coach Mike Brown. “They’re resilient, they’ve been through a lot as a veteran group, and it showed tonight,” Brown said after the game.

The team’s ability to rally from deficits has been a consistent theme during its current winning streak. The WNBA opening weekend includes multiple high-profile games broadcast on national television. The league is in its 30th season and continues to expand its reach with the addition of the Toronto franchise.