Knicks blowout Sixers 128-92 as Josh Harts sets season record

In a commanding performance, the New York Knicks dominated the Philadelphia 76ers, securing a resounding 128-92 victory. The game was marked by exceptional performances from the Knicks’ bench.

Jalen Brunson was the offensive maestro for the Knicks, finishing the night with an impressive 29 points including four three pointers. However, the true revelation of the game was the Knicks’ bench trio of Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, and Josh Hart.

Hart’s performance – 10 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block – was nothing short of spectacular, concluding the night with a remarkable +/- of +46, the highest recorded by any NBA player this season. The combined Plus-Minus of +103 alongside Grimes and McBride showed how much of an impact the bench had.

“I thought Josh was fantastic all around, just everything: defense, playmaking, hustle.”

– Tom Thibodeau

Grimes, displaying a renewed energy since coming off the bench, contributed 19 points and 8 rebounds. After going scoreless for three straight quarters, he delivered all of his buckets during the final act.

Deuce McBride emerged as a pleasant surprise, posting 15 points, including an impressive 4-6 from beyond the arc, in just 15 minutes of play. His role has expanded significantly since the trade of Immanuel Quickley, and he’s swiftly proven himself as a reliable backup point guard.

The Knicks found themselves trailing 26-16 late in the first quarter. But then McBride sank four consecutive three-pointers to give the Knicks a 32-28 lead. From that moment, they never looked back.

Despite a relatively subdued performance from Julius Randle, who scored just 8 points on 1-11 shooting, the collective effort of the team ensured a well-rounded victory. Isaiah Hartenstein, tasked with containing Joel Embiid, contributed significantly with 17 points.

The Knicks executed a stellar defensive strategy against the Sixers, limiting them to just 38 points in the second half and outscoring them 35-16 in the fourth quarter. Hartenstein’s solid defense on Embiid, coupled with effective double-teaming from the rest of the team, disrupted the Sixers’ offensive flow.

Embiid – 30 points and 10 rebounds –  continued his remarkable scoring streak, recording his 16th consecutive game with 30 or more points. Moreover, he achieved the 15th straight game with both 30 points and 10 rebounds, establishing a franchise record. Tyrese Maxey contributed 27 points and 9 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers who hold on to their 3rd spot in the east.

The bench, led by Grimes, McBride, and Hart, outperformed the Sixers’ bench, outscoring them 49-15.

The Wells Fargo Center echoed with chants of “Let’s go Knicks” and “Go New York, Go” as the Knicks remained undefeated in 2024. Since the OG Anunoby trade, the team is 3-0, and their defensive efforts have improved significantly, consistently holding opponents to under 99.3 points per game.