Embiid’s late dunk lifts surging Sixers over Knicks at Garden
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NEW YORK — Joel Embiid’s first dunk of the 2025-26 season punctuated the Philadelphia 76ers’ 130-119 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, pushing the Sixers five games above .500 for the first time this season.
The reigning MVP finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. His breakaway slam with the clock winding down served as the game’s final basket and triggered a mock celebration with teammates.
“It was an easy one,” Embiid said, smiling. “I wish it had been off the backboard. That’s the next step.”
Key numbers
Tyrese Maxey: 36 points, leading all scorers.
VJ Edgecombe: 26 points, matching Embiid in the rookie’s second straight 20-plus outing.
Team record: Philadelphia improved to 19-14; New York fell to 23-12.
Maxey joked that Embiid’s dunk came one possession after he hesitated to feed the center for a potential slam. “Now he’s telling me to throw him a lob,” Maxey said. “We’ll see how that goes.”
Head coach Nick Nurse praised the playful moment. “At least we know he can still dunk,” Nurse said with a laugh. “He can check that off his list.”
The Knicks were on the second night of a back-to-back after Friday’s home loss to Atlanta, but Nurse emphasized that Philadelphia’s energy decided the contest. The Sixers never trailed, shooting 55 percent from the field and scoring 72 points before halftime.
Philadelphia may soon get additional help: Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Trendon Watford (oblique) are nearing returns. “We just feel better as a unit,” veteran Paul George said. “Everybody in this locker room is starting to enjoy being out on that floor, playing on both ends.”
Saturday marked Embiid’s first appearance at the Garden since the Sixers’ first-round playoff exit in 2024. “I love being here,” he said. “The fans went quiet today … that’s what happens when you’re losing the whole game.”
The Sixers now begin a stretch with 11 of their next 15 games at Wells Fargo Center. “We were in a big hole,” Nurse said. “We’re still digging, but we’re building rhythm and health.”
Source: ESPN
