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Magic Johnson Names New York Knicks’ Real ‘Hero’ in Clutch Game 2 Win vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 4/23/24

The New York Knicks are currently having an impressive run in the playoffs after getting a 2-0 against the Philadelphia 76ers. For NBA Legend Magic Johnson, though, the real hero in Game 2 isn’t Jalen Brunson or Donte DiVincenzo at all.

In that particular game, the Knicks went home with the 104-101 victory over Philadelphia. Josh Hart dropped 21 points and 15 rebounds to fill the stat sheet against the Sixers. Even though he only connected 27 percent of his field goals, All-Star guard Jalen Brunson still ended the game with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Donte DiVincenzo also posted 19 points, including hitting 50 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

The Sixers, on the other hand, had Tyrese Maxey lead the way with 35 points and 10 assists. All-Star big man Joel Embiid managed to return after a scary landing took him out in Game 1 and tallied 34 points and 10 rebounds. And apart from Tobias Harris 10 points, no other player in Philly’s lineup scored in double-digits that night.

Fortunately, the Knicks were able to stave off a late push by the Sixers, thanks to DiVincenzo draining the game-winning shot from beyond the perimeter. As a result, the Knicks are ahead by two games and boast a good chance to advance to the next round.

Magic Johnson Calls New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein Real Hero in Game 2 Win Against Philadelphia 76ers

After the game, several personalities were in awe because of how the Knicks took Game 2 right from the Sixers’ hands. But unlike everybody else, Lakers legend Magic Johnson gave center Isaiah Hartenstein his flowers by calling him the game’s real hero:

“Isaiah Hartenstein is the hero of the Knicks with his 14 point, 8 rebound performance! He had both the game-winning offensive rebound that led to DiVincenzo’s game-winning 3 AND the block on Tyrese Maxey that secured the victory! What a wild, fun, and exciting playoff game!!” Johnson tweeted.

In the 75 games Hartenstein played this season, the Knicks’ big man averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per contest. He’s also hitting 64 percent of his field goals, making him one of the most efficient players in the NBA right now.

With two wins under their belt, New York is closer than ever to advance to the next round. If the Knicks want to make it far in the playoffs, games like this one should be the norm for Hartenstein.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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