Philadelphia left Madison Square Garden with a 0-2 deficit, but also with a quiet sense of validation. After getting blown out in Game 1, the 76ers showed a dramatically improved face in Game 2 against the Knicks – competitive for three full quarters before ultimately falling 108-102.
The absence of Joel Embiid, still unavailable, didn’t prove as damaging as some feared. Philadelphia’s adjustments – tighter defense, more ball movement, and leaning into V.J. Edgecombe’s athleticism – made this a genuine series. The frustration came from being so close without getting over the line.
“We clearly feel like we could have gotten out of that one,” Tyrese Maxey said bluntly. “We think we should have won that game,” echoed Edgecombe.
The Sixers will now return home for Games 3 and 4 with belief that the formula is there – they just need the execution to match it. Facing a 0-2 hole, history is against them, but Wednesday’s performance gave them something to build on heading back to the Wells Fargo Center.
Source: BasketUSA
