No late-game collapse this time.
After getting punished in New York, the Sixers pushed back big-time back in home.
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid exploded for a postseason career-high 50 points and the Philadelphia 76ers held on late to prevail over the gutsy New York Knicks,125-114, to close within 2-1 in their rough-and-rugged East Round 1 opening round series.
Joel Embiid with a PLAYOFF CAREER-HIGH 50 POINTS as the 76ers DEFEAT the Knicks 125-114 to WIN Game 3 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yViBBYXKVw
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 26, 2024
With their backs against the wall, the Sixers big man poured in a red-hot 18-point third quarter as Philly went to outscore the Knicks, 43-27, in that frame.
Embiid added 15 more in the final frame, including this triple to surpass his previous high of 40 set three years ago, and giving his squad a 15-point lead at 111-96 with 6:21 left.— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2024
...including 18 from Embiid on 7-8 shooting and 4 threes 🔥🔥
PHI lead 98-85 heading into the 4th on TNT. pic.twitter.com/R6yn54IQef
JOEL EMBIID IS ON FIRE IN GAME 3 ??
41 points for a new postseason career high 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2024
PHI lead in the 4Q on TNT pic.twitter.com/7JIKem9k5f
However, the Knicks fought back multiple times, closing to within seven points after this Josh Hart tip-in with 1:17 left to make it a single digit game at 120-113.
Embiid then knocked down crucial free throws- he finished with a 19-of-21 clip from the charity stripe- down the stretch as the Sixers kept the hope of a series comeback very much alive.
What a night for Joel Embiid 👏 pic.twitter.com/txJRggEXbe
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2024
Newly-minted Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey added 25 points, four rebounds, and seven dimes with Kelly Oubre chipping in 15.
Philadelphia shot 55 percent from the field and connected on 15 triples and despite being outscored 54-38 inside, the Sixers sank 28 of their 33 free throws attempts.
On the other hand, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 39 points and 13 assists with Josh Hart adding 20 and OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein combining for 31.
Brunson shot more efficiently this time despite the loss, going 13-of-27. In the first two games, the former Villanova Wildcat shot a combined 16-of-55 and averaged 23 points.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson aggravated his ankle injury with 3:17 remaining in the second quarter — after he was called for a foul — and didn’t return after halftime.
Mitchell Robinson looks like he’ll be out with an ankle injury for the rest of the game following this play.
Game 4 is on Monday, April 29, (PH time) in Philadelphia.Also struck in the groin by Embiid lifting his leg in a non-basketball move. pic.twitter.com/2oJMaCBzuw
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) April 26, 2024
