The celebration had already kicked off at Madison Square Garden. Throughout the fourth quarter, the Knicks demonstrated superior toughness, sinking crucial shots and executing key defensive stops.
To recall a similar moment, one must go back to 1999 during Game 6 against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals—this was the last instance when the Knicks secured a playoff series victory at home.
Twenty-five years on, the stage was set for the Knicks to defeat the 76ers. With less than 30 seconds remaining, the Knicks were ahead by six points. The only scenario for the Sixers to stay in the game would require a rapid cascade of mishaps, a sequence of sudden, unfortunate events. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd on the verge of eruption, as the Knicks were poised to advance to the second round.
“It wasn’t the greatest of circumstances,” admitted Philly coach Nick Nurse.
Critical Moments in a Tense Game
In one decisive moment, Mitch Robinson committed a critical error by fouling Maxey, who successfully made the free throw, turning a comfortable six-point lead into a precarious two-point battle.
In another key play, Josh Hart was fouled with just 15.1 seconds remaining but only managed to convert one of his two free throws.
A strategic misstep occurred when the Knicks, leading by three, opted not to foul. This decision came back to haunt them.
Finally, Maxey sank a stunning 34-footer that did nothing more than brush the net, miraculously tying the game and pushing it into overtime.
Playoff Drama Unfolds in Philadelphia
The silence of the Garden at 3 AM belied the raucous atmosphere earlier when the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers battled intensely. The Knicks initially surged ahead with a quick five-point lead, only for the Sixers to erase it just as swiftly, ultimately triumphing in overtime 112-106. The series now extends to a crucial Game 6 on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed his frustration, noting the difficulty of losing such a tightly contested game. “We had a lead, and we’ve got to play tougher with the lead,” he remarked. This sentiment echoes a historic resilience the Knicks demonstrated during the 1970 NBA Finals when they overcame a last-second half-court shot by Jerry West to win Game 3 in overtime, a pivotal moment on their path to the championship.
However, the current Knicks face a daunting challenge if they fail to overcome their recent struggles. Despite having opportunities, including a critical shot in overtime, they faltered. They face another test on Thursday at the Wells Fargo Center, anticipated to be packed with enthusiastic Sixers fans, and possibly a decisive Game 7 on Saturday, which the Knicks seem reluctant to confront.
Josh Hart voiced his disappointment, highlighting a missed free throw that overshadowed his otherwise strong performance of 18 points and nine rebounds over 53 minutes. “That’s a game we should’ve won,” Hart lamented. “All we can do is watch film and regroup and get ready for the game [Thursday].”
Adding to the Knicks’ woes was the subdued performance of Joel Embiid, who despite achieving a triple-double, didn’t dominate as he had in previous games. This raises doubts about his ability to sustain such intensity for the remainder of the series.
The underperformance of key figures Jalen Brunson and Tom Thibodeau also contributed significantly to the Knicks’ precarious position, threatening the stability of their season’s foundation.
Knicks’ Overtime Struggle: Missed Opportunities and a Harsh Lesson
Jalen Brunson delivered an impressive performance with 41 points and six assists, but his efforts were not enough to keep the Knicks’ offense organized in overtime, which relied too heavily on isolation plays. His late-game mistakes, including a missed free throw and a critical turnover, nearly sealed the game’s fate.
Brunson admitted, “Not good judgment on my part.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau decided against fouling when up by three points at the end of regulation, a strategy that backfired this time around. In a stark contrast to Game 2, where Joel Embiid’s long 3-point attempt failed, Tyrese Maxey, with his stunning 46 points and nine rebounds over 52 minutes, capitalized on the opportunity. His performance was a gut punch to the Knicks and their fans, setting the stage for the next game on Thursday.
Thibodeau reflected, “We could’ve done better in that situation, and we will.”
OG Anunoby also remarked on the need for improved execution, promising, “We’ll be better.”
This kind of game isn’t one you proudly display; it’s more akin to those painful memories that fans might wish to bury alongside other notorious Knicks’ moments like the Finger Roll Game, the Reggie Miller Game, and the Charles Smith game.
The challenge is to forget these moments, a task easier said than done, given the fan’s burden of enduring memory. It’s up to the Knicks to perform the heavy lifting. Despite being praised all year for their tenacity in fourth quarters and resilience under pressure, they fell short this time. However, they have another chance on Thursday to prove their resilience. If unsuccessful, they face a critical Game 7 on Saturday, where momentum could be decisively against them.
