Knicks emerge in rare fourth quarter to beat Sixers 106-104

Obi Toppin scored 13 of his total 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a three pointer with 1:27 on the clock to push the Knicks to their fourth win of the season, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 106-104 on the road.

The Knicks were down by as many as 12 points early in the final act before Toppin and Jalen Brunson reversed the situation. Toppin’s last three pointer gave the Knicks the lead back, 97-96, after trailing since the third quarter, then Brunson completed a three point play to put New York up by four.

The Sixers tried to get back but De’Anthony Melton missed a 28-foot three pointer and the Knicks inbounded the ball as time expired.

Bronson scored a team-high 23 points to go with 7 assists, RJ Barrett finished with 22 buckets and 9 boards and Julius Randle was in double-double with 17 and 10. Off the bench came Cam Reddish with 11 points and Isaiah Hartenstein with 10 rebounds and 8 buckets.

Coach Thibodeau started with a small line-up seeing Quentin Grimes at the two and finished with a rare frontcourt of Randle and Toppin. The Sixers were unable to adapt to the changes.

“We got in a hole. I liked the competitive spirit of the team, the fight. They put a lot of pressure on us with dribble penetration. I thought our closeouts were better. We got down the floor, got them spread out and we got some good looks.”

– Tom Thibodeau

The Sixers, who played without James Harden (out for a month) and Joel Embiid relied on Tyrese Maxey’s talents. The young point guard shot 10-29 from the field finishing with a game-high 31 points and 7 assists. He missed a three pointer with 29 seconds to go that would had tied it, though.

Tobias Harris scored 23 points and 9 rebounds, Montrezl Harrell added 14 and 7 and the Sixers fell 4-6 this season having won only one game at home.

The Knicks, improved to 4-4 and cut a three game losing streak.

Up-next: The Knicks (4-4) are hosting the Celtics (5-4) tonight from 7:30 pm.