The first two games of the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers showdown could've swung in either direction.
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The first two games of the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers showdown could’ve swung in either direction. The Knicks clinched two nail-biting wins in the first round. Now, with Game 3, the series heads to Philadelphia on Thursday night.
The Knicks barely edged out Game 1 in a tight matchup, and in Game 2 on Monday, they basically snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by scoring eight consecutive points in the last 30 seconds for a 104-101 win. Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo came through with crucial 3-pointers during the intense final moments.
After the loss, the Sixers filed a complaint with the league office, citing several missed calls they felt cost them the game. “Find a way,” Brunson remarked. And find a way they did. The Knicks had five players scoring in double digits, led by Brunson with 24 points. Josh Hart chipped in 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while DiVincenzo contributed 19 points. Despite shooting only 40.7 percent from the field, the Knicks managed to make key plays when it mattered most.
For the Knicks, Brown, Randle, and Washington will not be playing the game. As for the 76ers, Covington will sit this one out and Melton is questionable for the game.
The Sixers aim to narrow the series gap as they take on the Knicks. Even though he was battling an undisclosed illness, Tyrese Maxey came up big with 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Despite ongoing trouble with his left knee, Embiid managed to put up 34 points and grab 10 rebounds.
He’s been dealing with a torn lateral left meniscus since January 30, which caused him to miss 29 games. Although he returned on April 2, he’s clearly been hampered by his inability to jump. After the Game 2 loss, Embiid was visibly furious.
The Sixers have been knocked out in the Eastern Conference semis for the past three seasons. Now, they’re facing the possibility of getting bounced in the first round unless they win four out of the next five games. Despite the challenge, the Sixers are staying hopeful.
Despite being sick, Maxey didn’t lose any of his speed. That was a big positive after a hard-fought loss.
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