Philadelphia on the brink as Knicks seize 3-0 lead despite Embiid’s return
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The New York Knicks moved within one victory of the Eastern Conference finals by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 on Friday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, spoiling Joel Embiid’s comeback from injury and taking a 3-0 advantage in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Embiid, who sat out Game 2 with right hip and ankle issues, logged 34 minutes and finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. His presence, however, did little to slow a Knicks team that played without forward OG Anunoby (hamstring) yet controlled the game from the second quarter on.
“I’m okay,” Embiid said. “Obviously a tough loss tonight. Just have to take it one game at a time.”
Knicks overwhelm Sixers in key areas
New York’s reserves outscored Philadelphia’s bench 29-11, with the 76ers failing to record a bench point until Quentin Grimes hit a fourth-quarter three-pointer. The Knicks also targeted Embiid in space, exploiting his limited mobility for open looks and second-chance opportunities.
Head coach Mike Brown praised his backups, saying, “We’ve got a lot of good guys that are resilient, that are fighters … it’s showing when they go out there and get the opportunity.”
George cools after hot start
Paul George poured in 15 points during Philadelphia’s 31-point first quarter but missed his final nine shots and did not score again. “S—. Win a game,” George said when asked how the 76ers extend their season. “We’re right there … we’re just not finishing the game.”
Historic hole for Philadelphia
Unless Philadelphia mounts the first 0-3 comeback in NBA history, the franchise will exit in the conference semifinals for the sixth time in nine seasons, extending its conference-finals drought to 25 years. The 76ers erased a 3-1 deficit against Boston in the opening round, becoming just the fourth lower seed ever to do so, but now face a steeper climb.
“I thought he gave us everything he could,” coach Nick Nurse said of Embiid’s performance. “That’s all he can do.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday in Philadelphia.
Source: ESPN
