The Sixer Sense
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Sixers Fall To Knicks 94-88, Even Out At 2-2

By Josh Wilson

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This was the battle of the bottom from last year, the New York Knicks vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, who held the second worst and third worst records in the NBA. Both are looking to bounce back this season and win more games. Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel both sat this one out, Noel with a sore back, and Okafor with a sore knee.

Ultimately, the Knicks would come out on top winning 94-88.

The two big men being listed as out paved the way for Jerami Grant to get the start, and face off against his brother Jerian Grant. Jerian seemingly won the battle, but it was fought differently from each side. Jerian had one more point, and four more assists, but Jerami had five more rebounds.

The Knicks outplayed the Sixers in the first half, getting off to a strong 16-8 start fueled by 10 points from Robin Lopez. He would have a quiet second quarter, ending the half with the same amount of points. At the half, the Knicks led the Sixers by 13.

The big downfall for the Sixers was fast break points, as they were outscored by 12. They did decently in the paint, winning by eight points. The 22 turnovers didn’t help their case, but it was still better than the Knicks’ 25 turnovers.

Players of the Game

Isaiah Canaan, 28 minutes, 18 points, 4 steals

Isaiah Canaan continues to make himself one of the leading prospects for the starting point guard position. With three of the top guards out with injury, he has made himself a scorer in the preseason, and showed why he should be the starting point guard on opening night.

If he does well enough during the regular season before Kendall Marshall comes back, he may even have a shot at taking the starting spot from him healthy.

Robert Covington 24 minutes, 11 points 5 rebounds, 3/6 three point shooting

Robert Covington again showed that he is a big part of games, but still flies under the radar. He was on the boards, and able to get into double digit points. One alarming part of his night was the five fouls he had, and the fact that he missed all of the two pointers he attempted. His great three point shooting was what saved him and kept him in the running as one of the players of the game for the Sixers.

Richaun Holmes 21 minutes, 6 points 7 rebounds

This was Holmes’ first real time to shine, and while he wasn’t a big offensive boost like we would’ve liked, his aggressiveness on the boards looks good for his resumé. Two of his rebounds were on offense.

Christian Wood 20 minutes, 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5/10 shooting

Three offensive rebounds for Wood was a great showing, and I’m happy the UNLV rookie is showing up well in some of the preseason games. I still don’t think he will make the team, but he’s showing he does have a work ethic and that his body fat issue isn’t as big of an issue as it may have been made out to be.

Tweet of the Game

Next Game

The Sixers continue their preseason yet again against the Wizards, this time at home on Friday night at 7 PM. The Sixers were embarrassed in their preseason opener against the Wizards, losing 129-95, and are looking to bounce back to get their preseason record above .500 again.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

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