With 41 points and 12 assists, Jalen Brunson was huge, as since the series arrived in Philadelphia, in the Knicks' victory in Game 6. But he was not the only one, supported by other former Villanova Wildcats: Josh Hart And Donte DiVincenzo. These three were almost playing at home since it was in the Sixers room that they achieved their first university exploits. Moreover, on the ceiling of the room, there are their NCAA champion banners!
NCAA champion in 2016 and 2018, Donte DiVincenzo scored 23 points last night with five award-winning baskets, thus regaining outside skill, while making great efforts in defense to limit Tyrese Maxey, author of his worst game of the series , with 17 points at 6/18 on the shoot.
“There is so much to say about Donte’s game: he shoots, fights, defends”, admires Tom Thibodeau. “It's a job taking care of Maxey, between pick-and-rolls, transitions and everything. When he no longer has the ball, he keeps moving and you have to follow him. His effort was formidable. »
Angry Wildcats
As for Josh Hart, he scored 16 points and especially the basket which made the difference, 25 seconds from the end, to give the Knicks a three-point lead. The biggest shot of his career for someone who shouldn't think too much before drawing.
“Josh did Josh. He works a lot on his shot,” delivers his coach. “I always have confidence in him for the big shots: he will make them. He has the capacity. If we need an offensive rebound, he will dominate three, four or five players to take it. He is a fierce competitor. »
A competitor who finished this series with an average of 46 minutes, only coming out for 15 minutes in six matches!
In this victory, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo compiled 80 points for the Knicks. The Sixers ran into an enraged Wildcats. Another Villanova University alumnus, but on the wrong side of history, could only see this. “As a Wildcat like them, I’m proud of them. I have a lot of affection for these guys”commented Kyle Lowry.
