Knicks Edge 76ers Amid Philadelphia’s Ongoing Struggles

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Knicks held off the Philadelphia 76ers with a 110-105 victory Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. The game showcased a stunning performance from the Knicks, who won for the fourth time in their last six games and improved to 38-20 for the season.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points and seven assists. His performance was crucial in the closing moments as he scored 10 of New York’s final 12 points. “It was a big win for us, especially at this stage of the season,” said Brunson after the game.

Philadelphia has now lost nine straight, with Tyrese Maxey‘s 30 points being the high mark for the struggling 76ers. Despite a strong push in the second half, Philadelphia could not overcome an early deficit. “We need to find a way to win games, especially ones this close,” stated Maxey.

The first half saw the 76ers limited to just 45 points, struggling to find rhythm offensively. Maxi shot 12-for-32 overall and went 0-for-10 beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Knicks found early success with Mikal Bridges scoring 19 points in the first quarter alone, a season-high for him in any quarter. Bridges also filled the gap left by the injured Julius Randle, who is sidelined with left knee patellar tendinopathy.

As the game progressed, the Knicks took a 14-point lead late in the third quarter, but the 76ers mounted a comeback, even leading briefly at 102-98. This surge was led by Maxey, who scored 17 points in the final minutes. However, Brunson’s decisive 9-0 run reaffirmed New York’s control.

Despite the defeat, the 76ers showed resilience, with Kelly Oubre Jr. contributing 16 points and nine rebounds. However, their performance was marred by inconsistent shooting and struggles on defense. The Knicks, conversely, benefited from solid teamwork and capitalized on key moments throughout the game.

The game was marked by the 76ers shooting only 30% from behind the three-point line, emphasizing the team’s ongoing shooting woes. The absence of Joel Embiid, who is undergoing evaluation for knee issues, continues to be felt as the 76ers hover at 20-37 in the Eastern Conference.

Next up for the 76ers is a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, while the Knicks prepare for a road game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Both teams know the importance of these upcoming games as they inch closer to the playoffs.