It really looked like things were going great for the Philadelphia 76ers. After a scary spill in Game 1, Joel Embiid came back strong and posted up 34 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Game 2. He played his heart out and showed that he was feeling plenty strong.
Tyrese Maxey had also done his job, making 11 of his 12 shots on the way to a near triple-double of 35 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Most importantly, the Sixers had managed to take a crucial five-point lead with just 47.1 seconds left.
Unfortunately for the boys from Philly, the New York Knicks showed that they werenât ready to give up. Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby ended up becoming the heroes of the night as they keyed the final run that saw the Knicks scored an unanswered eight points in 28 seconds of game time.
Embiid was unhappy as he spoke to reporters in the locker room. After putting so much work in, heâs understandably frustrated at losing a game that they had control of.
The Sixers may have reason to be aggrieved as well, considering that Nick Nurse claims he got ignored calling a timeout twice.
The Knicks, who are now up 2-0 in the series, look like they simply have the magic touch against the Sixers. They came back from a 13-point deficit in Game 1 and staved off a furious Sixers comeback attempt. Now, their own comeback ended up successful, and theyâre right where they want to be.
Judging by how the first two games, though, it wouldnât be surprising for the Sixers to tie the series after the upcoming games in Philadelphia. All I know is, I sure as hell ainât missing Game 3.
