The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 125-119 in an intense game that extended into overtime. Jalen Brunson delivered a standout performance, scoring 16 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Josh Hart’s exceptional triple-double of 10 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists further fueled the Knicks’ victory. Mikal Bridges contributed 23 points, while OG Anunoby added 17. This win avenged the Knicks’ loss to the 76ers in last year’s playoff series and showcased their determination in critical moments.
76ers Struggle Without Embiid
Despite Tyrese Maxey’s impressive 33-point effort, the 76ers fell short. Paul George added 26 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. However, Philadelphia’s performance was hindered by the absence of Joel Embiid, who missed his sixth consecutive game due to a left foot sprain. The Knicks also missed their All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, sidelined with a right thumb sprain, leaving both teams relying on depth and perimeter play to fill the void.
The Knicks leveraged their bench to secure the win, with Miles McBride scoring 13 points and Precious Achiuwa adding 10. After struggling with five losses in their last seven games, the Knicks demonstrated their ability to bounce back and execute under pressure. Conversely, the 76ers continued their recent skid, having lost seven of their last nine games, including struggles at home where they dropped four of their last five.
Pivotal Overtime Surge
A decisive 8-0 run by the Knicks in overtime turned the tide in their favor. OG Anunoby’s emphatic dunk sparked the momentum, followed by Jalen Brunson’s clutch 3-pointer and free throws. The 76ers, who had tied the game five times in the second half, failed to capitalize on their chances despite Maxey’s layup forcing overtime. The Knicks’ composure in crunch time proved critical, ensuring they never trailed throughout the contest.
The Knicks will look to maintain their momentum as they host Minnesota on Friday, seeking to climb higher in the standings. The 76ers face another challenging back-to-back, starting Saturday in Indiana, as they aim to rediscover their form and consistency. With their All-Star centers still sidelined, both teams must continue adapting to their respective challenges in the weeks ahead.
