Skip to main content

Knicks Postseason 2026, 2nd Round vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Well, it's the Sixers in Round 2. 

Review Thoughts from Round 1

The Celtics messed around and found out. And now, we have the red-hot Sixers in a very intriguing second-round matchup. Before even diving into the series, I immediately think about that 2023-2024 1st Round match-up that I often refer to as the series that took years off of my life. 

Then again, there was Divo's shot that will forever bring a smile. There is also this dunk from OG Anunoby on Embiid (certified, real Garden villain):

The 76ers are super talented on paper. And they have an incredibly high ceiling if healthy and playing together. The Celtics just found that out. That is my biggest fear for this round!

When I boil all the stats, actions, sets, and the simple eye-test assessment down to a simple thing, what's left is this: can the Knicks stop contain Tyrese Maxey? Can the 76ers defend a Karl-Anthony Towns pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop)?

That's it. 

  • My Key Matchup: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Joel Embiid
    • How can you not look at this right away?! Embiid has dominated KAT in the past. However, do we still get the "showtime" KAT we saw in the first round dominating the game without taking many shots to do so? 
  • My Key Stats:
    • 28.3 PPG - That's the damage Maxey imposed on teams during the regular season, which was good for fifth in the NBA. He's going to score, and likely at an efficient rate. However, what is interesting is that he is averaging 26.3 points per game in the playoffs, which is equal to...Jalen Brunson. 
    • 43 Games - That is the number of regular-season games that Joel Embiid played this season. Embiid's injury history is no secret. In a series scheduled with only one day between games, it will be interesting to see how (if) he holds up. Same for Paul George.
  • My Key Player: Mikal Bridges
    • Have you lost your mind?! No, just stay with me. KAT and Embiid are about to be must-see. So is Brunson vs. Maxey. And likely, Anunoby vs. George will be the same. While I think we'll get some Anunoby minutes at the center to run Embiid off the court, an argument can be made for the bench mob in Duece McBride, Mitch Robinson, and Jordan Clarkson, and to some extent, Jose Alvarado, as a collective x-factor. However, the absolute wild card is Bridges! And he's such a crucial element to this matchup. 
    • Can he provide added defensive pressure?! I anticipate him getting the assignment to start the series on Maxey. And of course, if he gets going like he (and EVERYONE else) was in Game 6 vs. the Hawks, it poses plenty of issues for the 76ers. 
Here we go...

---


Game 1

Knicks d. 76ers, 137-98
(Knicks lead series, 1-0)

I was not expecting that. But I'll take it! 

Having yet another dominating performance where the starters did not play in the fourth quarter was not exactly within my outlook for Game 1 of this series. Mostly, because it works against the law of averages in the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks just won back-to-back games by 30+ points in the playoffs. 

Wild times. 

With that said, I still take nothing much from this. Sixers were walloped a couple of times by the Celtics in their first-round matchup - and here they are. 

Far from over. 

Other Thoughts:
  • Jalen Brunson was magnificent tonight. There was a lot of talk about Maxey (and rightfully so), but there seems to have been some memory loss on Brunson's usual performances against said Sixers. He's gotten what he wanted. And tonight, he did just that
  • Also, not having to see Dyson Daniels or some of the Hawks' long athletic wings must feel like a relief. 
  • That one play where the Sixers switched and tried their hand at Embiid on Brunson...man oh man. 
  • Speaking of Embiid...Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Joel Embiid will very much be riveting television in this series. Although I'm not sure we'll see much of that going forward. I wouldn't be surprised to see Embiid on Josh Hart going forward. 
  • I'm already frustrated watching Embiid get fouls called. And I'll admit, he earns them. He's so crafty. He's so big. He's so smart. It's a shame so much of his mobility is gone. 
  • With all of the fouls, Ariel Hukporti is going to get some consistent minutes in this series. 
  • Tyrese Maxey felt...passive tonight, no? 13 points, and only 3-9 shooting. I fully expect that dude to come out looking for 50 points in Game 2. 
  • Dropping some love to Mikal Bridges for the little things. He had so many little moments guarding Maxey, most notably the Knicks clearly trying to deny Maxey's actions where his speed is in play. Bridges denied or shut down so many dribble drive handoffs in this one. Not bad at all. The last thing you need is that guy getting the ball in a full sprint. 
  • The 76ers bench...woof. 
  • Is it fair to say OG Anunoby is a top threat for the Knicks? When do the Knicks graduate to having a Big 3? Is it too early? Blasphemy? Or is Anunoby not on that level? Sure seems like it. 
  • Tyler Kolek balled out in that 4th quarter. 
  • Who had Pacome Dadiet minutes in this series? 
Dem boys are on a roll! Rest up tomorrow. Don't overthink Game 2. 

---


Game 2

Knicks d. 76ers, 108-102
(Knicks lead series, 2-0)

It's been a while since we've had a close one...I sort of forgot what those playoff nerves felt like. 

I know, that's quite the flex. 

 

With Embiid out, and the Knicks playing some gamesmanship (and chess as well), by then announcing Mitch Robinson was also out due to illness (yeah, uh, okay), I thought this game would be closer than it would appear. 

The fragile-big-man-less game actually played into the strength of the Sixers by allowing them to play fast, which is not exactly the strength of the Knicks. 

Regardless, the outcome was due to a common Knicks formula for drag em' out, back-and-forth contests: keep it close, get stops, and give the ball to #11 in clutch minutes. 

Check. Check. And Check in Game 2. 

Other Thoughts:

     

  • Every Knicks fan is thinking the same thing that I am as I write this post-victory - I really hope OG is okay. Playing doctor, it seems like a hamstring injury, but I'm hoping for the best. 
  • As always, OG balled out in another playoff game. 
  • If KAT can simply mitigate his foul woes...the Sixers really haven't proven they can stop him. With Embiid, and without. 
  • Yet, in foul trouble, he finishes with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
  • Tyrese Maxey logged 47 - 47! - minutes tonight. Paul George was on the court for 43 minutes. VJ Edgecomb for 40, and Kelly Oubre for 40. You have to begin to wonder about their overall stamina as this series moves along.
  • Remember when we did that, and that was constantly the narrative? Is it only a bad thing when Thibs does it? Just saying...
  • Paul George was great tonight. 
  • Those Hukporti minutes were...well, a good use of the fouls allotted to each participating player. 
  • The Dominic Barlow pull for Nick Nurse was a nice touch. Props for giving that a try - it'll be interesting to see if they stick with that, or revisit it for certain looks in Game 3. 
  • Knicks shot 27% from 3PT - that would have been the deciding factor if they lost this one. They were also outrebounded - very unlike them. Yet, they still managed to win. Take from that what you will...
  • It's nice to have Mikal Bridges back. 
  • #11 - No matter the game, he's that dude. 
Again, here's hoping OG is okay. If he needs to skip one, for the sake of being ready for Game 4, so be it. Such is the luxury of taking care of business at home. 

But knowing this organization, we won't know anything. If it's good or bad. Or nothing at all. But also, even if he's alright, why would they make that announcement? 

We're going to be concerned for a while...

---


Game 3

Knicks d. 76ers, 108-94
(Knicks lead series, 3-0)

No OG, no problem. 

It certainly seems like the 76ers' deficiencies are too much for them to overcome in the overall outlook for this series. We knew they were a terrible rebounding team all series - they lost that battle 49-33 in Game 3. Much of their bench was non-existent all year, especially as they run their core 40-minutes-plus - they lost that 29-12. 

Those margins are so key. 

Ultimately, this felt like it was the Knicks' game to lose throughout the entire game...even without OG Anunoby in the lineup. 

That's six in a row! With a few in historic dominant fashion. What a run for Knicks fandom.

Other Thoughts: 
  • Jalen Brunson was special tonight...again. 
  • There was a lot of Tyrese Maxey talk coming into this series. Will Jalen Brunson ever simply get his respect up front? 
  • Speaking of, where is Tyrese Maxey? 8-12 FG, for 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists (for -11 +/-). Solid game. Yet, it feels like him, Joel Embiid, and Paul George are equally featured. I'm not sure that's what you want if you're the Sixers.
  • Additionally, Maxey played 44 minutes in this one...for a loss. That has to be deflating from the 76ers side of things. 
  • Mika Bridges was phenomenal. 
  • Landry Shamet gives you games like tonight, and it instantly gives me three subthoughts:
    • This dude once was glued to the bench during desperate playoff games (I love you, Thibs, but this is a fact)
    • Ditto on the bench part, but simply due to the Knicks depth this year. 
    • And when his number is called, he delivers. Ultimate pro. 
  • Joel Embiid was especially frustrating to watch tonight. LOTS of intentional flo...umm, maneuvring of his body hoping for a whistle.
  • Mitch Robinson's dunk on that inbound pass....oooooooooohhhh, weeeee!!!! 

    •   

  • KAT didn't have an especially great game due to foul trouble, but still provided a solid contribution while battling that nemesis in Embiid.
  • Paul George had moments in this one where you remembered how amazing he was and how beautiful his game is/was. So pure. Such a template for so many hoopers. And then he also had moments that made you shake your head in disappointment. Like this one:
  • That 76ers home court vibe was lacking. Just being honest.
Rest up, OG. No need to rush back. Just finish this thing on Sunday.

---



Game 4

Knicks d. 76ers, 144-114
(Knicks win series, 4-0)

I used to dream about times like this. 

I'm not taking this run for granted at all. In fact, it is still surreal to wrap my mind around this seven-game winning streak. That includes some of the most dominating wins in franchise history - some in NBA history. 

This is fun! 

More so ironic, as there was a time I legitimately looked forward to the Draft Lottery reveal to see where we would pick. I still watched the unveiling before this game, with zero interest in ever being in that fandom again. 

There isn't much more to say about this series. This was domination.

Other Thoughts:
  • For the record, the Knicks rewrote some history in this closing game: 
    • Tied NBA Record - most three-point field goals in the first quarter (11)
    • Tied NBA Record - most three-point field goals in the first half (18)
    • Set New Franchise Record - most points in a playoff game (144)
    • Tied NBA Record - Most three-point field goals in a playoff game (25)
    • The Knicks' 19.4 point-per-game margin of victory is the largest through two rounds since the playoffs went to 16 teams in 1984.
  • Duece McBride, man. Duece McBride. 25 Points. 7-9 3FG. +33
  • Mikal Bridges was absolutely tremendous defensively in this series.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns controlled this entire series with his playmaking, much like we saw in the first round. You have to think they kept this a secret until the playoffs, right? 
  • After all, so much of the conversation for the last two years was that the starting lineup just did not mesh. And there was constant statistical proof of that inefficiency to go along with the eye test. 
  • Brunson put poor Dominick Barlow in the mixer in the Third Quarter. That moment, in my opinion, was game, set, and series.
  • As amazed as I was by yet another dominating win, I was equally as shocked by how little urgency Philly had. That first quarter broke them. And not having a true homecourt advantage did that in. 
  • The 76ers are going to have an interesting offseason. 

No Knicks games for at least a week. 

Rest up, OG. My interest in Pistons vs. Cavs just increased. It's going to be tough regardless of who our opponent is in the ECF.  

Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

Knicks Postseason 2026, 1st Round vs. Atlanta Hawks

I'm back with another one of these posts, collecting my thoughts and ponderings through the NBA Playoffs. For this one, we'll stick to just the 1st Round vs. the Atlanta Hawks.  I'm already nervous.  Last year's opening round series vs. the Detroit Pistons added gray hairs to my beard. And the year before? That opening playoff series vs. the Philadelphia 76ers likely took some years off my life.  So yeah, here we go again... Some quick thoughts  before the series begins from this fan:  The Atlanta Hawks were NOT my top pick for matchups in the first round. They definitely picked us. But the Playoffs are the Playoffs - everyone is good! I'm concerned about this...I really am. My Key Matchup: Dyson Daniels on Jalen Brunson My Key Stats: The Knicks led the NBA in 4th Quarter Net Rating - That is an attribute that is vastly being overlooked in this series. The Knicks are very good in the closing quarter - they have been all year. It's an identity that will surely h...
Read more