The Knicks rebounded to beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 110-105, on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Here are some takeaways…
– The Knicks have done a tremendous job bouncing back from rough losses so far this season, and that was again the case in this one. New York established a double-digit first-quarter lead and was able to hold on from there (barely), picking up their third consecutive win over Philadelphia on the year.
– After back-to-back rough showings in Cleveland and Boston, Mikal Bridges bounced back in a big way, putting together easily his best start of the season. He scored 19 of his 28 points during a stellar opening frame, which was the most he’s recorded in a single quarter this season.
– With Karl-Anthony Towns ruled out pregame due to a lingering knee issue, Tom Thibodeau inserted Ariel Hukporti into the lineup. The rookie put together eight points, two rebounds, and a block before leaving his first career start with what the team called a sprained left knee.
– The Knicks led by as much as 16 in the second quarter, 19 in the third quarter, and nine in the fourth. Still, Philadelphia refused to go away led by Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, who were able to get going after putting together just eight points each in the first half.
– The 76ers took their first lead since the first quarter with just over three minutes remaining in the closing frame, but as has been the case all season long, Jalen Brunson stepped up and put together a 9-0 run of his own when New York needed it the most. Captain Clutch, as Mike Breen calls him, put together 14 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter.
It was a bit of a frustrating night for Brunson but he got it done in just about every way possible, shooting 8-of-17 from the field while drilling three threes and knocking down 15-of-16 from the free-throw line. He also dished seven assists and reeled in three rebounds.
– Even with KAT’s absence, New York did a great job of protecting the glass against the Joel Embiid-less 76ers. Josh Hart led the way with a game-high 17 boards, OG Anunoby reeled in nine of his own, and Precious Achiuwa stepped up with some big minutes off the bench.
Game MVP: Jalen Brunson
Brunson yet against stepped up for the Knicks when they needed it the most.
Highlights
Upcoming schedule
The Knicks travel to Memphis to close out the month with a meeting with the high-powered Grizzlies on Friday at 8:00 p.m.
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