The Knicks came to dampen the enthusiasm of the Sixers, who found Joel Embiid for this first “NBA Cup” match. Paul George's teammates were in fact sent back to their studies by a more aggressive New York team which was able to rely on its many strengths, from Jalen Brunson to Karl-Anthony Towns via a Josh Hart in triples -double and an OG Anunoby as a symbol of this firepower.
Well launched by Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks took the lead in the first half against the Sixers led by Paul George on a good evening. The New York lieutenants were thus able to display their greater cohesion and efficiency, like the basket at the buzzer signed by Josh Hart to bring the score to 50-54 at the break.
Jalen Brunson twisted his ankle upon returning from the locker room and Philly took the opportunity to briefly take the lead on a 3-pointer from Paul George (57-56). The Knicks' response was immediate with a 12-3 fueled by 3-pointers from the McBride-Anunoby pair (60-68). Mikal Bridges took over by scoring three times while Jalen Brunson returned with a lay-up in transition (70-76).
The Sixers were then able to count on the precious relay of Jared McCain, author of 7 points in a row including a 2+1 then an assist for Joel Embiid's basket under the circle. Enough to revive the locals at the start of the last quarter (75-78).
The Knicks launched the first arrows with Miles McBride from afar, Jalen Brunson near the circle and a unleashed OG Anunoby with two dunks to punctuate the 9-0 New York (75-87).
OG Anunoby put it back with a new dunk in transition and Josh Hart avoided a suspenseful end to the match in New York, with a 3-pointer on a well-found pass from Karl-Anthony Towns (83-97). The Knicks were then able to conclude without trembling, thus starting this new NBA Cup campaign on the right foot (99-111).
WHAT TO REMEMBER.
– The failed return of Joel Embiid. It was the event of the evening for this first NBA Cup match. For his big debut this season, the Sixers pivot had a difficult start (0/3 at the break), also failing to hurt himself during a fall after a duel against Miles McBride. He had to wait until the start of the third quarter to score his first basket, a 3-pointer. His end of the match didn't really save his overall performance. At 2/11 shooting in 26 minutes, he did not take part at the end of the match.
– OG Anunoby’s show of force. Post 4 of the Knicks had a great game without having to monopolize the ball. Author of 24 points at 11/16 shooting, he gave a lesson in aggression and opportunism with six dunks! A performance from which Guerschon Yabusele will be able to draw inspiration, he who went from his best game of his NBA career against Charlotte to one of his worst outings at the start of the season.
– Jared McCain still had the fries. With Paul George's 29-point match at 7/11, Jared McCain was the satisfaction of this match, and it's the second time in a row after his 27 points against Charlotte. The rookie leader impressed again, holding his team at arm's length in sequences, in the third quarter and even at the start of the fourth, to finish with 23 points.
– Josh Hart did Josh Hart. How can you not like this player? He also symbolized this aggressiveness and this efficiency deployed by the Knicks. New York's handyman was there in the important moments, to score or steal one last ball at the end, and was rewarded with his first triple-double of the season, completed at the very end of two games assists for KAT and OG Anunoby (14 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists).
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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.
