Three Takeaways From Knicks' Close Win Over 76ers

With Towns in and out of the game, the Knicks figured something out. They started using smaller lineups to match the 76ers' speed and athleticism. An adjustment they were not privy to in the first couple of matchups this season. In doing this, they were able to slow down 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey with not only 22 points, but also only 15 shot attempts because of the guard pressure from the Knicks.  

One of the ways Embiid got Towns into foul trouble was because of his interior play that exposed the size difference between the two players. This led to Embiid feeling very comfortable in the first half, where he had scored 26 of his game-high 38 points. However, there were points of the game where Mitchell Robinson was the primary defender, who put more resistance than Towns down low, which forced Embiid into tougher shots and lower efficiency. 

This is an interesting dynamic to watch out for, and it shows that against certain teams, matchups are important.

Third quarter Explosion 

Going into halftime, the Knicks were down 64-60. Throughout the last few weeks, the Knicks have struggled specifically in the third quarter. This would not be the case. On top of the Towns early foul in the third quarter, Knicks' Jalen Brunson and O.G. Anunoby got it offensively. A 19-3 run in the first part of the third quarter that gave the Knicks a nice little cushion. 

Now, there was also someone else that placed a heavy emphasis in the second half when the Knicks went small, and that was Landry Shamet. In 24 minutes of play, he scored 12 points while taking the assignment on Maxey, chasing him around screens, and matching his energy. 

Shamet has missed some significant time this season, but his presence is not only met on the offensive end, shooting 3-pointers, but also getting after it defensively. 

76ers still have the upper hand on the Knicks 

In reading this, one would think the Knicks lost the game, and it's nothing to critique. Well, it depends on your expectations of the Knicks. This is a team that is coming off a conference finals appearance, going into this season wanting to compete for a title. Looking throughout the East, the 76ers are one of the few teams that have given them issues this season so far. For the Knicks, they must show that this game wasn’t a fluke. 

However, that is why it is valuable that they are not only in the same conference, but also in the same division. They play four times a season, disregarding the playoffs. Their next matchup will be on Feb. 11 back in Philadelphia. It should be another highly competitive game.