LOS ANGELES – The New York Knicks used a stunning three-point barrage to crush the Philadelphia 76ers 144-114 and advance in the NBA play-offs on May 10 as the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the San Antonio Spurs to level their series.

The Knicks matched the NBA play-offs record with 25 three-pointers, setting an early tone with a record-equalling 11 first-quarter treys and piling up a record-equalling 18 in the first half.

With their seventh straight win in these play-offs the Knicks polished off a 4-0 sweep of the 76ers in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-finals.

The Timberwolves knotted their Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2, pulling away late for a 114-109 victory over the Spurs – who played most of the game without Victor Wembanyama.

The French star was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in the jaw early in the second quarter.

The Knicks reached the conference finals for the second straight year and will face either the top-seeded Detroit Pistons or fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers for a place in the NBA Finals.

“One game at a time,” Knicks star Jalen Brunson said, after New York humbled the 76ers on their home floor for a second straight game.

“I think we still have a lot of work to do and our focus needs to be better,” he said.

Miles McBride made seven three-pointers on the way to a game-high 25 points and Brunson drained six from beyond the arc in scoring 22.

Six players scored in double figures for the Knicks, who were without forward OG Anunoby for a second straight game with a hamstring strain.

With the series on the line the Knicks stormed out of the gate, scoring 43 points in the first quarter.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse exhorted his team during one time out to stay positive and “play harder.”

But with their Xfinity Mobile Arena turned into hosti...