The Comeback Kids: How the New York Knicks Stunned the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2
The New York Knicks pulled off a stunning comeback in Game 2 of the NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a 2-0 series lead. This victory was not only remarkable for the Knicks, but it also made history for the 76ers, who have now lost 15 times in franchise history after dropping the first two games of a best-of-seven series. The odds are not in their favor, as teams in this position have only won 22 out of 265 times in NBA history.
Despite these statistics, 76ers superstar Joel Embiid remains confident in his team’s ability to overcome this deficit. “We’re good,” he said after the game. “We’re going to win this series.”
But why is Embiid so optimistic? Here are five reasons why this series is far from over.
Even a Hobbled Embiid is Making an Impact
Embiid has been dealing with a left knee injury, which has limited his efficiency on the court. However, he is still having a positive impact on the series. In the 76 minutes he has played in Games 1 and 2, the 76ers have outscored the Knicks by 17 points. In the 20 minutes he has been on the bench, the Knicks have outscored the 76ers by 27 points.
Embiid’s passing has been particularly impressive, with 12 assists and only four turnovers in the first two games. Defensively, his presence at the rim has been a problem for the Knicks, who are shooting just 5-for-17 when he is contesting shots.
Tyrese Maxey: The Most Improved Player in the League
Maxey has been the most productive player in this series so far, averaging 34 points and 7 assists in the first two games. Despite playing through an illness in Game 2, he still managed to put up 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. His speed and ability to get to the rim have been a challenge for the Knicks’ defense.
But 76ers coach Nick Nurse has called for Maxey to be even more aggressive in Game 3, despite his already impressive performance. If Maxey can continue to dominate, the 76ers have a good chance of evening up the series.
Philadelphia’s Plan for Jalen Brunson is Working
Brunson has been the engine of the Knicks’ success this season, but he has struggled in the first two games of this series. He has shot just 29.1% from the field, thanks in part to Philadelphia’s game plan of using Kelly Oubre Jr. to harass him on the perimeter and relying on Embiid’s presence at the rim.
Oubre has had success against Brunson in the past, and the 76ers are comfortable leaving him open on the perimeter. If Brunson can’t find his rhythm, it could be a major advantage for the 76ers.
Josh Hart’s Shooting: A Risk Worth Taking
The 76ers have been daring Hart to shoot from the outside, and he has made them pay in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and the first half of Game 2. However, in the other five quarters of the series, he has only made one out of six attempts. If he continues to struggle, it could be a major advantage for the 76ers.
Role Players Need to Step Up for the 76ers
Embiid and Maxey have combined for almost two-thirds of the 76ers’ points in this series, and the team will
