The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a tough break in Game 2 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. They blew a five-point lead with 47.3 seconds remaining in the game, as they led 101-96 but ended up losing 104-101.
Kyle Lowry missed a free throw and then craziness ensued. A loose ball was picked up by Donte DiVincenzo and in the scramble, Jalen Brunson knocked down his first 3-pointer of the evening.
On the inbounds, a turnover was committed as the Knicks mauled Tyrese Maxey. According to the two-minute report the NBA shares, he was fouled twice on the play and now the whistle was blown. Head coach Nick Nurse should have also been awarded a timeout according to the report.
Instead, Hart got the steal and kicked the ball out to DiVincenzo, who missed the 3-pointer. Isaiah Hartenstein got the offensive rebound and was able to throw a pass to OG Anunoby as he fell to the floor. Anunoby swung the ball to the top of the key to DiVincenzo, who drilled the go-ahead 3-pointer.
It was bedlam in MSG as the fans erupted. Hartenstein made another incredible play on the ensuing defensive possession, blocking Maxey’s shot at the rim, allowing Anunoby to secure the rebound and knock down two free throws to ice the game.
Reactions after the game were heated, as 76ers’ fans felt they were cheated out of a victory. Emotions ran high, as Joel Embiid was visibly distraught at his locker after the game, vowing that his team would come back to win the series.
Maxey could have had the same reaction, but he showcased incredible leadership and poise after the game. He didn’t put any blame on the referees, who deserved a lot, taking accountability for not holding onto the ball.
“Just got to rebound. I can’t turn the ball over, can’t lose the ball and we’ve got to get the rebound,” Maxey said via Knicks Videos on X.
That is the kind of reaction and leadership you see from a seasoned veteran. Seeing it from a 23-year-old who is only in his fourth season in the NBA is quite a sight to behold. The missed calls by the referees were certainly unfortunate, but the 76ers had opportunities to win the game still.
Hartenstein outhustled four Philadelphia players for that rebound off the DiVincenzo miss. That was the sentiment Maxey echoed when he made an appearance on NBA TNT Tip Off before Tuesday night’s playoff games. He was asked about the two-minute report and showed the same level of maturity and leadership he did after the game.
“We still had chances to win the game. … We can’t dwell on that, we can’t leave the games in other people’s hands, we’ve gotta go out there and take it.”
That is the kind of stuff you love to hear from one of your leaders on the team. The 76ers are in great hands with Maxey as their floor general and they should still feel like they have a chance to comeback in this series against the Knicks as long as he is out there.
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