Those who thought that Game 3, the controversial errors of Joel Embiid or even those of the refereeing of the first two games were going to lower this Knicks – Sixers series, this Game 4 was reassuring. This meeting will certainly remain as one of the highlights of the season. A peak of tension, atmosphere, and suspense, worthy of the stakes.
Without Mitchell Robinson still affected in Game 3, New York suffered at the start of the game. Joel Embiid sets off with a bang, on the pace of a triple double (10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists). In its wake, Philadelphia widens a first gap, which climbs to 12 units. The Knicks hang on thanks to Jalen Brunson (12 points), the only visitor above two points at the end of the first act (27-17).
Jalen Brunson carries the Knicks on his shoulders
The passage on the bench of Joel Embiid allows them to get back into the game, despite a new injury, Bojan Bogdanovic hit in the foot after barely a minute on the floor, and unintentionally injured by Nicolas Batum while diving to the ground. New York goes 10-2 in four minutes to get back together when the Sixers miss 12 shots in a row. The return of Nick Nurse's starters rebalances the debates, when aggression rises, with several physical possessions. Once again we need a magnificent Jalen Brunson (11 points and 6 assists in 10 minutes) to allow New York to stay in touch.
Hang on, with Jalen Brunson above the fray? This becomes the refrain throughout the match. Philadelphia strikes the first blow of a 10-0 start to the second period. The Sixers even seem to be in control for a while, especially since Joel Embiid finally gets the free throws he was hoping for, causing Isaiah Hartsentein to foul five times in the third quarter alone! But New York never gives up, with an irresistible Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo finally in his match.
Joel Embiid at the end of his rope and transparent at the end of the match
The Knicks are impressive in their self-sacrifice, on the rebound, on the block. Even without Hartenstein, or a real professional pivot, the visitors collect second chances. Joel Embiid is clearly not 100% after hurting his knee again in a fall. But Nick Nurse leaves him on the floor the entire second period and it ends up being felt on both sides of the floor. When the visitors threw themselves like starving men at each missed shot, the Philadelphia pivot spent several possessions with his hands on his knees.
Quite the opposite of a heroic Jalen Brunson, and author of several decisive baskets to close his masterpiece. The Sixers missed their last opportunity following a miscommunication after a missed free throw from Kyle Lowry, Knicks fans came in numbers at the Wells Fargo Center can shout their joy. New York will have match point at home on Tuesday night!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Jalen Brunson, of the caliber of giants. Joel Embiid may have scored 50 points in Game 3, but Brunson had something to answer for. The Knicks leader was sensational with 47 points at 18/34 and 10 assists. Hugely difficult shots, decisive shots, shifts for his teammates… The All-Star did it all, setting a franchise record in the playoffs (Bernard King had scored 46 points on two occasions), and becoming the first player in Gotham in 40 points – 10 passes in the playoffs.
– The Knicks win the paint battle. Even deprived of Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle, then Isaiah Hartenstein in the last quarter, New York did a monster job to hold off Joel Embiid, beaten on the rebound by Josh Hart (17 rebounds) and OG Anunoby (14 holds) ! The two wingers also combined six blocks and the visitors finished with a +12 point differential inside: 44-32… while Philadelphia led 6-16 after one quarter.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
