The Sixers suited up in Madison Square Garden last night to take on the Knicks and Kansas State’s Michael Beasley, as the Sixers left New York with a 118-110 victory in hand.
For a while, it looked like the Sixers might let the game get away from them: the Sixers found themselves down by as much as 13 in the 3rd quarter. The Knicks brought their shooting stroke with them, and despite some poor shooting in the 4th, they finished shooting 51.7% from the field. The Sixers were able to counteract that, in part, thanks to efficient 3PT shooting, as they 15-37 from deep on the night. 37 3PA! That’s 8 more than their season per game average, and right up there in Houston Rockets territory.
The story of the game was the Sixers 4th quarter comeback. After finding themselves down 101-93 with 7 minutes left in regulation, the Sixers went on a 13-3 run to put themselves ahead 106-104, and never looked back. The Sixers outscored the Knicks 35-19 in the final quarter of play to lock up the victory.
For some, the game should have never been that close to begin with. Nonetheless, it is comforting to see this team battle back in the closing minutes to get a win they really needed. As the Sixers aim to bring a playoff series to Philly, last night was a game that just had to be won.
Joel Embiid was fantastic, with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. One of those blocks was accompanied by an especially heinous staredown on his victim, Emmanuel Mudiay. Ben Simmons also dazzled, racking up a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Dario Saric continued his strong play, contributing 21 points and 12 rebounds. Robert Covington found his 3PT shot, getting all of his 15 points from distance (5-7 3PT).
Michael Beasley of the Knicks flirted with a triple-double, because of course he did. He tallied 24 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Beasley was a big factor in the Knicks being ahead much of the game, but went cold in the 4th, shooting just 1 of 4.
All in all, it was a good win. The shots were falling most of the night for the Knicks. The Sixers just wanted it more in the 4th. Although, I guess that assumes the Knicks wanted it at all.
Next up is the Brooklyn Nets in Philadelphia tonight at 7:00 pm.