Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid's costly mistake dooms 76ers in their loss to the Knicks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 7:25 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks had an entertaining battle on Saturday, but Joel Embiid and company had nothing to be happy about — particularly with how the contest ended.

With the Knicks up by three points, New York star point guard Jalen Brunson went to the foul line for a pair of free throws. Converting at least one of his attempts would have made it a two-possession game, virtually sealing the win for the Knicks.

However, Brunson bricked both shots, leaving the door open for Philadelphia to tie the score and force overtime with a three-pointer. The 76ers never got the chance to launch a Hail Mary, though, as Embiid turned the ball over after securing a rebound.

Here’s how the play unfolded in the dying moments of the game.

Joel Embiid threw a turnover and blamed the refs pic.twitter.com/cLcpkaoY17
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) January 24, 2026

It also appeared that Brunson tried to foul Embiid to prevent the 76ers from taking a three-point shot, but no whistle was blown on the play, as time on the clock expired, giving the Knicks a 112-109 victory at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Embiid’s blunder capped the 76ers’ spoiled bid to complete a series sweep of the Knicks in the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Philadelphia won the first two meetings, while the Knicks have a chance to tie the series on Feb. 11.

The former NBA Most Valuable Player led the Sixers in the loss to New York with 38 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the floor, while Tyrese Maxey added 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: