In the NBA Cup group play opener on Tuesday night, the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 111-99, effectively overshadowing Joel Embiid’s highly anticipated season debut. OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 24 points, while Embiid struggled to make an impact, scoring only 13 points in 26 minutes of play. The 76ers now find themselves at a disappointing 2-8 record.
Embiid’s performance was lackluster as he shot just 2 for 11 from the field and collected only three rebounds. Despite Paul George’s commendable effort, contributing 29 points and 10 rebounds, the team was unable to secure a win. Josh Hart also had a strong performance for the Knicks, notching a triple-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson supported the Knicks with 21 and 18 points, respectively.
The Knicks displayed remarkable ball movement and teamwork, exemplified by their impressive 31 assists on 44 field goals and a shooting percentage of 49%. A pivotal moment in the game came at the start of the fourth quarter, when New York surged ahead with a 13-2 run, effectively distancing themselves from the Sixers.
On the upcoming schedule, the Knicks will host the Chicago Bulls, while the 76ers will look to bounce back against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers.
This matchup highlights the growing challenges the 76ers face as they attempt to regain their footing. However, with Embiid back in action, there is room for optimism. As he shakes off the rust from his previous absence, fans can hope for a resurgence in performance that could help steer the team towards a winning trajectory.