Knicks survive in Philly after nearly blowing a 19 point lead (103-96)

Julius Randle led the Knicks with a game high 31 points along with 12 rebounds as New York defeated Philadelphia 76ers 103-96 at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.

The Sixers, who were already missing a couple of key players in Thobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle and Isaiah Joe, got another blow prior to the game when a fourth member of their team – none other than Joel Embiid – got sidelined because of Covid-19 protocols. ESPN reported on Monday that the Sixers’ All Star got tested positive but the report has yet to be confirmed.

With all the stuff going around the rival organization, the Knicks seemed to get a break and take an easy win against the top seeded team in the Eastern conference. After a close first quarter the Knick exploded in the second act, when in a span of almost seven minutes, they went on a 17-3 run that put them up 49-30.

However, what was heading into a blowout win for the Knicks turned the other way around after halftime when the Sixers ignited a comeback that nearly nullified New York’s lead. Danny Green had a couple of consecutive threes for the Sixers to cut an 11 point lead to single digits, then forced a turnover on Randle.

With 2:16 left in the third the Sixers were breathing down the Knicks’ neck as the lead was cut to just one, 70-69. This however was the closest they could get. The thrills continued in the final act with the Sixers keeping it a three point game until the last three minutes. The Knicks capitalized on an 8-0 run that included a three pointer by Randle and a three point play by Walker.

In the final 2 minutes, Sixers fans left the building as the “Let’s go Knicks” chants grew louder and louder.

RJ Barrett finished in double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Evan Fournier scored 11. Kemba Walker returned to the starting lineup after being rested against the Cavs. Walker played 27 minutes, scoring 8 points and dishing out 5 assists.

Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 10 points, shooting all of his field attempts from behind the arc and going 3-4.

The bad news came from Nerlens Noel who left the game with 4:16 left in the second quarter with a knee soreness. The Knicks were already missing their starting center Mitchell Robinson who suffered a hip injury, so coach Thibodeau turned to Taj Gibson in the second half and kept him for as long as Andre Drummond was also on the court.

The Sixers were led by Furkan Korkmaz with 19 points, followed by Tyresse Maxey with 16 buckets. Drummond finished with 14 points and registered a game high 25 boards also logging a couple of blocks. In spite of that, the Knicks protected their rims better collecting 55 team rebounds to Sixers’ 47.

Both teams shot 13-40 from long distance and most other numbers were very close. The Knicks however outscored the Sixers in fast break points 23-5.

Don’t forget to check out the broadcasting recap brought to you by our very own, RunningJumper!

Up next:

The Knicks (7-4) will host the Bucks (5-6) tonight from 7:30 pm.