Sixers come up short in Game 2 loss to Knicks

The Sixers faced an uphill battle without Joel Embiid for their Game 2 matchup against the Knicks in New York. Despite fighting hard for most of the game, Philadelphia struggled to maintain their energy over the four quarters and fell 108-101.

Here’s what stood out.

A great response, but not enough

After a gut-punch result in Game 1 and the news that Joel Embiid would miss Game 2, the Sixers could have understandably fallen flat in this game. Instead, the response by Philadelphia was felt immediately.

Paul George led the charge offensively for the Sixers, with 11 first-quarter points. Kelly Oubre added eight, including two made shots from three, as the Sixers did a far better job attacking from outside than they did in Game 1.

Tyrese Maxey did a noticeably better job of countering the defensive package New York threw at him, especially as he took control of the offense in the early second quarter. Whether he faced traps, blitzes or doubles, Maxey created open looks for himself and his teammates but failed to take advantage of them as the game went on.

In the second half, the success that Maxey had found against the Knicks’ defense gradually wore away, and he began turning the ball over and missing wide-open shots that, over time, swung the game in New York’s favor.

There’s nothing the Sixers can do to save Maxey from excessive minutes. The opportunity to do that was at the trade deadline. The noticeable difference in this game was how the added weight of playing without Embiid affected Maxey. While George, Oubre and VJ Edgecombe were all solid contributors, none have the scoring ability of Joel Embiid, nor do they draw the level of attention he does.

It’s just one of many reasons why the “the Sixers are better without Joel Embiid” argument fails to hold any water. Maxey played 46 minutes and 48 seconds. He sat for less than 75 seconds in the entire game, a clear indicator of the team’s lack of guard depth. It’s understandable that he would be beyond exhausted; regardless of who is able to take the court, he has to play at a higher level than he did over the course of this game.

Come the fourth quarter, none of the Sixers’ reliable scorers had much gas left, and the Sixers scored just three points in the final nearly seven minutes of the game. That’s not solely on Maxey, but heavy is the head.

Other takeaways

• Andre Drummond and Adem Bona struggled with fouls throughout the game, prompting Nick Nurse to turn to Dominick Barlow, who played significant minutes at center. Whether or not Embiid returns for Game 3, this is a development Nurse would be wise to consider moving forward. Especially if Adem Bona is going to continue to pretend he is Godzilla and Jalen Brunson is the city of Tokyo.
• Quentin Grimes has continued to struggle with his shot and, more damning, questionable decision-making. To his credit, his on-ball defense has been respectable, but defensive communication has been an issue, and he’s suffered from multiple mental lapses, even in the Knicks series alone.

Up next for the Sixers

The Sixers will travel back to Philadelphia in a massive 2-0 hole in the series. They will look for some home cooking and, ideally, the return of Embiid as they look to make a comeback in this series.

Tip-off is set for Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m.

MORE:  Tiki Barber blasts Joel Embiid after Sixers’ Game 1 loss to Knicks