Knicks blow 17 point lead in loss to Sixers

The Knicks held the Sixers trailing on their homecourt to as many as 17 points with 4:40 left to play in the third quarter, only to collapse late in the fourth and allow Philly remain undefeated at home, with a 104-109 win over New York.

Propelled by Taj Gibson, who put on a jumpshot show after halftime, the Knicks went on a 17-0 run that pushed the home crowd to boo their favorites. Frank Ntilikina and Philadelphia native Marcus Morris also had a big night.

The French guard was a beast on the offense, shooting 6-8 from the field for a season high 17 points. Morris logged a double-double with 22 buckets and 13 boards.

Dennis Smith Jr. came off the bench to put a solid 13 points in 15 minutes while Julius Randle had 17.

“We played hard and competed for four quarters. As long as we’re competing our ass off, that’s all I can ask for. I’m proud of us. We fought. Everything they got they worked for.”

– Marcus Morris

But the cold shower was offered by Joel Embiid, who scored 12 of his total 23 points in the fourth quarter and Mike Scott, who sank 3 three pointers in the final act. Ben Simmons finished the game with 18 points and 13 assists.

The Knicks dropped 4-11 and will take on the Spurs on Saturday night.