Scoreboard
Magic 119, Hornets 113
Cavaliers 122, Pacers 103
Knicks 108, Sixers 97
Raptors 106, Grizzlies 103
Timberwolves 128, Nuggets 98
Pelicans 136, Kings 104
What went down
The New York Knicks upped another notch in the level of unpredictability. Playing without RJ Barrett due to illness, the Knicks looked uninspired to start the game and found themselves down big.
The Sixers’ lead ballooned to 21 points before the Knicks finally woke up and began to make a run, the kind of run they’ve somehow been able to make many times this season.
Jalen Brunson (21 points) and Julius Randle (24 points) were the expected New York heroes to give the Knicks a fighting chance, but two other unexpected New York heroes stepped up to the challenge of erasing the Philly lead.
Evan Fournier, who cracked the lineup due to Barrett’s absence, poured in a season-high 17 points, nine of which he scored in the fourth quarter.
Miles McBride also came up big for New York with 14 points, including a crucial 3 to extend their lead to a comfy eight-point cushion with three minutes left.
Fournier and McBride outplayed the Sixers’ backcourt of James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, who both scored only 12 points apiece.
The Knicks’ gritty win was the much-needed response after their recent overtime loss to the LA Clippers. It showed that even without two of their key pieces in Barrett and Mitch Robinson—and despite being down 21–this version of the Knicks can come together and pull through.
It's comeback szn 📈
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 6, 2023
Julius 24 PTS | 9 REB | 7 AST
Brunson 21 PTS | 7 AST | 5 REB
Evan 17 PTS pic.twitter.com/1I26GguOCy
Big-time ballers
Trey Murphy III balled out against the Sacramento Kings, hitting six 3s in the win. He finished with a season-high 30 points.
Trey Murphy III had the three-ball working tonight 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) February 6, 2023
A season-high 30 PTS with 6 3PM in the @PelicansNBA win! pic.twitter.com/fpfkptmYM3
The Orlando Magic followed up their last win with another big W against the struggling Charlotte Hornets. Paolo Banchero (22 points and 10 rebounds) and Wendell Carter Jr. (20 points and 12 rebounds) feasted on the Hornets’ bigs.
What he said
This tweet from The King may or may not be related to the Kyrie trade news:
Maybe It’s Me
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 6, 2023
Did you see that?
Kyrie Irving is moving on from the Brooklyn Nets. According to a report from Shams Charania, Irving will be headed to the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick, and multiple second-round picks.
Dinwiddie’s packing his bags:
When @ShamsCharania says it’s time to go you pack your bags.
— Spencer Dinwiddie (@SDinwiddie_25) February 5, 2023
Plus Elijah said he wanted to go back home 😅🙏🏾 https://t.co/Enuqat6v0N
