Every win the Philadelphia 76ers muster with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George confirms that they can be formidable when healthy. But the 76ers’ matchup against the New York Knicks on Saturday night proved that the sky is the limit when located in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia (19-14) handled New York (23-12) 130-119 at Madison Square Garden tonight, extending its win streak to three. The 76ers enjoyed crucial contributions from their core players, offering a preview of what it would take to come out on top in a playoff series. Philadelphia’s improved chemistry was evident and it is beginning to form a viable identity on both ends of the court.
While Embiid, George and VJ Edgecombe each found success, it was none other than Maxey who stole the show. He led all scorers with 36 points on 63.6% shooting from the field, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The one-time all-star learned a great deal from James Harden during his two-year 76ers tenure, including his ability to light up MSG.
Maxey made a living from three-point range, burying six of his nine attempts that were a product of his electric shot creation. While he attempted a game-high 22 field goals, his shots were far from the selfish variety. The guard played within the flow of Philadelphia’s offense while remaining aggressive–a task he struggled to accomplish just last week with Embiid’s continued availability.
But, when it’s all said and done, the 76ers are better with Embiid and he proved that today. The nine-time all-star registered 26 points on 9-15 shooting from the field, 10 rebounds and five assists. If someone saw a few years ago that Philadelphia defeated an Eastern Conference elite by double-digits and Embiid shot only 15 times, they’d be in pure disbelief.
While the 2022-23 Most Valuable Player may not deliver 30 points each game, he seems to be moving better on both ends of the floor with every appearance. Between some off-the-dribble scoring and help defense, his return to form has been incredible to witness. What’s most impressive is that Embiid tallied 10 rebounds against the Knicks, who rank in the top four league-wide in rebounds per game.
Edgecombe was equally as impressive, contributing 26 points on 10-16 shooting from the field, two steals and two blocks. He continued to dominate MSG in his own right, stringing together many highlight-reel plays. The rookie’s composure in one of basketball’s mightiest stages was outstanding, especially when he attacked off the dribble and used his athleticism to conceal the perimeter.
George didn’t reach 20 points, but he was impactful with 15 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Simply put, the 35-year-old fulfilled his required duties that would serve Philadelphia well in the postseason: spot-up shooting, initiating offense in doses and quarterbacking the defense. The 76ers fired a critical 18-6 run in the second quarter, which George’s defense was fundamental in.
It would be irrational to crown Philadelphia the Eastern Conference champions using one of an 82-game season, especially with New York on the second end of a back-to-back. But the 76ers proved they could not only compete with the conference’s finest, but notably outplay them. Each game Philadelphia has its trio available, it will only further improve and come April, it could be a team to be reckoned with.