The Philadelphia 76ers hosted their rivals, the New York Knicks, in a matchup that once again lived up to the hype. These two teams had met earlier in the season, with the 76ers winning both contests. New York entered the game fresh off a franchise-record 54-point home victory over the Nets, while Philadelphia was coming off an overtime win at home against the Rockets. For the third time this season, the two teams delivered a thriller.
Photo Cred: ESPN
The Knicks started the night on fire, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. Joel Embiid quickly found his rhythm in the first quarter, scoring 15 points, while Tyrese Maxey added nine. Brunson was equally impressive, pouring in 14 points of his own. The teams were deadlocked at 34–34 after one. Early in the second quarter, Paul George caught fire, scoring nine points in the period.
OG Anunoby answered for New York with 10 points of his own, while Embiid continued to dominate, adding 13 more. Philadelphia took a 64–60 lead into halftime, with Embiid leading all scorers with 28 first-half points. The third quarter belonged entirely to the Knicks. New York went on a 24–10 run, overwhelming the 76ers on both ends of the floor. Knicks fans took over the arena, making their presence felt throughout the stretch. Brunson knocked down three triples, Mitchell Robinson finished lobs at the rim.
The Knicks outscored Philadelphia 30–13 in the quarter to take a 90–77 lead heading into the fourth. Josh Hart opened the final period with a pull-up jumper to give New York its largest lead of the night at 17. Philadelphia responded with a 12–0 run, as Maxey, Embiid, and Quentin Grimes relentlessly attacked the basket to cut the deficit to five. Landry Shamet ended the run with a timely three, and Anunoby followed with a powerful putback dunk to extend the lead.
The closing minutes were filled with drama. VJ Edgecombe and Anunoby traded threes, and Shamet appeared to hit a dagger three. Maxey responded with a triple, and after a loose-ball foul on Brunson, Edgecombe converted both free throws. A controversial foul call on Brunson was overturned after a Knicks challenge, allowing him to knock down a free throw to push the lead to four. Anunoby split a pair at the line, and Maxey scored a quick layup to make it a three-point game.
Photo Cred: The Star Democrat
Paul George came up with a key defensive stop on Anunoby, though it was overturned to give the Sixers possession. Maxey attempted a contested three to tie the game but came up short, believing there was contact. Brunson missed both free throws on the other end, but Embiid turned the ball over, sealing the outcome as the Knicks held on for a 112–109 victory.
Jalen Brunson led New York with 31 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while OG Anunoby added 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with foul trouble and fouled out in just 16 minutes. For Philadelphia, Joel Embiid finished with 38 points and 11 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and six assists. The 76ers will next face the Hornets on the road Monday, Jan. 26, while the Knicks return home to host the Kings on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The final score: Knicks 112, 76ers 109.
