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
