Embiid Returns but Sixers Slip to 3-0 Hole as Knicks Exploit Bench Woes
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The Philadelphia 76ers now face elimination after a 108-94 home defeat to the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday night. Center Joel Embiid, sidelined in Game 2 with ankle and hip issues, rejoined the lineup but was held to 16 points and six rebounds across 34 minutes.
“I thought he gave us everything he could,” head coach Nick Nurse told reporters, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “That’s all he can do.” Despite Embiid’s return, the Knicks repeatedly attacked the reigning MVP, capitalizing on his restricted mobility.
Bench Produces Little Spark
Philadelphia’s reserves failed to score during the first three quarters and were ultimately outscored 29-11 by New York’s bench, Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted. “We definitely need a push,” forward Paul George said. “You need role guys to step up and bench guys to step up.”
Climbing Out of Another Deficit
Nurse’s club overcame a 3-1 deficit against Boston in the opening round but must win four straight to keep its season alive. “We have to get the next one and see what happens,” the coach said, per The Athletic’s Tony Jones. “If you get one, it gets to 3-1, and a series can turn pretty quickly.”
Kelly Oubre Jr. echoed that sentiment. “Whenever we’ve had our backs against the wall, we’ve fought hard,” the swingman said. “We have to clean up a lot of mistakes.”
Maxey’s Production Dips
After a standout first-round performance, guard Tyrese Maxey is averaging 18.7 points and 5.0 assists against New York while committing four turnovers per game and converting only two three-pointers. Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com pointed out that the Knicks’ length has neutralized Maxey, who logged 41.0 minutes per contest in the previous series.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
Source: HoopsRumors
