OG Anunoby lifts the Knicks past Sixers in NBA Cup

The New York Knicks got themselves back to .500 in style, taking down the Philadelphia 76ers 111-99 in NBA Cup action behind a stellar night from OG Anunoby.

Anunoby was everywhere—draining jumpers, burying threes, and throwing down an impressive mix of dunks. Whether it was lobs, one-handed jams, two-handed slams, or in reverse, he had it all going on. He ended the night with 24 points, shooting 11-16 from the field, including 2-4 from deep, and added 6 assists, a steal, and a block in a huge 41-minute effort.

The Knicks pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Philly 33-24 to secure the win, a welcome sign after they’d struggled to close out games against the Pacers and the Hawks. It was a clutch finish they’d been needing to show.

“Our defense sustained throughout the game and in the fourth quarter. So it’s something to be proud of, something to hang our hat on and build off.”

– Karl-Anthony Towns

This was the first meeting between the two teams since their playoff clash in the first round last season, and both rosters had a new look. New York brought in Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges while Philly added Paul George and Caleb Martin. And after serving a three-game suspension for an altercation with a reporter, Joel Embiid made his season debut for the Sixers.

Embiid didn’t look like his usual self, scoring 13 points with most of his production coming from the free throw line (8-8). He struggled from the field, hitting only 2 of his 11 attempts.

His second field goal didn’t come until the final minute of the third quarter, and he even threw in some laughs and applause to celebrate after that shot cut the Knicks’ lead to just 76-75. But the Knicks didn’t flinch. They responded with a lockdown stretch, holding the Sixers scoreless for the first four minutes of the fourth while they went on a 13-0 run, putting the game out of reach.

Towns was a difference-maker, outplaying Embiid with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. His presence in the paint and on the boards gave New York the edge they needed, and he looked every bit like the superstar they brought him in to be.

Jalen Brunson added 18 points, though he had a tough night shooting (5-15 FG, 0-4 from three). He gave Knicks fans a scare when he rolled his ankle after stepping on Caleb Martin’s foot shortly after halftime. Brunson left with pain but returned in the fourth to lead New York through the closing stretch.

Miles McBride provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, while Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges each chipped in 14, giving the Knicks a balanced attack on a night when they needed it.

The Sixers, missing Tyrese Maxey due to a right hamstring injury, were led by Paul George’s impressive 29 points and 10 rebounds, with help from Jared McCain, who added 23 off the bench, and Caleb Martin, who contributed 17. But without Maxey, Philly lacked their usual punch, and the Knicks took full advantage.

New York’s dominance was clear on the boards, out-rebounding Philly 47-40 and outscoring them in the paint 54-30! This was a team that played tough on both ends and didn’t back down, answering every Sixers run with their own. After a game like this, it’s clear the Knicks are starting to find their rhythm, and if they can keep this up, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the East.

This game made it clear—the Knicks are finding their rhythm, playing with a cohesion and energy that shows just how powerful they can be in the East.