Adrenaline is surging through the Philadelphia 76ers after their statement win over the Boston Celtics. But with a new series against the New York Knicks tipping off on May 4, head coach Nick Nurse still has a critical issue to solve: defensive rebounding. This was the exact weakness that plagued the Sixers in their 2024 matchup with New York, where second-chance points repeatedly swung momentum. With Mitchell Robinson raring to go, Philadelphia must act fast.
As impressive as the series win over the Boston Celtics was, a new obstacle is approaching swiftly, and the New York Knicks pose their own individual threats. However, as the 76ers showed in Boston, they continue to fall victim to a Kryptonite that has plagued them for numerous years -- rebounding. In Game 7 alone, Philadelphia gave up 10 offensive rebounds, while grabbing just three of their own.
With Joel Embiid appearing to aggravate his knee injury in a collision with Tyrese Maxey in the fourth quarter against Boston, it will be a difficult task for him to replicate his 12 rebounds for a second consecutive game. Not only could Embiid's reduced mobility pose a problem, but Mitchell Robinson's elite rebounding presence threatens to tilt the balance in New York's favour.
Mitchell Robinson may be the Knicks' not-so-secret weapon
Rewind two years: the Philadelphia 76ers had just fallen to a 4-2 First Round playoff series defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks. While a lingering Joel Embiid knee injury limited his production throughout the matchups, there was one detrimental factor that truly decimated the Sixers' hopes of making a deep postseason run, and that was the high volume of second-chance points the team gave up.
Although Robinson may have only registered 20.6 minutes per game during the 2023-24 series, his role was significant. The 28-year-old averaged 7.8 rebounds, with a series-high 12 boards coming as the Knicks chalked up a 111-104 victory over the 76ers in Game 1.
Over his career, Robinson has established himself as one of the most dominant rebounding bigs in the entire league who can execute his role to perfection. This season, New York's center has averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 72.3% from the floor. These numbers show that Robinson is a player who is going to live and die in the paint, but do Philadelphia have the players to counteract his physical skill set?
While 'Hack-a-Mitch' could be one method of choice, the 76ers do have more legal tactics they could deploy throughout this matchup. Partnering Adem Bona with Joel Embiid is one possibility. The athletic sophomore would shoulder much of Embiid's physical responsibilities, but his inability to stop fouling would pose a problem. Another possibility is reinstating Dominick Barlow to the starting lineup. This formula has proven success in the past and should be under consideration.
The Philadelphia 76ers have pulled off a miracle to come back from the verge of defeat in the playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Nevertheless, this is not the time to dwell on victories, as another monumental challenge awaits. Mitchell Robinson and the New York Knicks have the ability to expose Philadelphia's rebounding frailties, and it is up to Nick Nurse to solve this problem before it is too late.
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