Apr 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots the ball while being defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The Sixers made as many threes as Landry Shamet did in an ugly loss to the New York Knicks, pushing the losing streak to nine games.
Here's what I saw.
Likes
- After being exposed to some, um, inexperienced(?) point guard play the last month and change, the offense did flow a bit better in Kyle Lowry's return. Long gone are the days of Lowry creating advantages with his own force. Once you lose that ability, you're near the finish line on a long career. But it was steady court vision that made Lowry's return slightly refreshing. He just set the table for a Philadelphia offense that struggles with organization.
On one of his first touches of the game, Lowry saw Quentin Grimes cutting through the slot and found him for a layup at the rim. A short while later, he made the extra pass against a numbers advantage on the weak side of the floor, drawing the closeout before slinging the ball to Lonnie Walker IV in the corner for an open three. Adem Bona later benefitted from Lowry's vision, the veteran point guard hitting the brakes in the middle of the floor and leaving the ball for the big man as he ran down the court. Rookie point guard Tyler Kolek was the only defender between Bona and the rim. Lowry's patience got the Sixers a favorable matchup.
Not to say that I expect this will be the last game of Lowry's career. But I do wonder why he came back with this season finishing the way it has. If he has hopes of playing another season, would it make sense to risk injury for no real reward? In a league so often maligned for its stars missing games, I suppose Lowry might just deserve some credit for wanting to suit up for the love of the sport.
- Grimes has subtle strength that compliments his first step, and it really helps maximize his athleticism at the rim. He went right at Shamet a few times in the third quarter, the Knicks pleading for charging fouls because the veteran guard couldn't handle the physicality. Not only does the strength allow him to attack smaller guards on post-ups, but he doesn't pin-ball off defenders on drives, either. The muscle helps him maintain control through contact, and I suspect it probably helps his shooting foul rate.
- This game was the first time it really felt like Grimes was hijacking the offense on low efficiency. Most of his attempts were out of rhythm and forced in the first half. He didn't have advantages and shot over contests. It was the type of showing that people who convinced themselves that Grimes is the beneficiary of a tanking brigade would point to and say, "See?".
- We've been vocal in this space about Justin Edwards' growth over his rookie season, but this game looked a bit over his head. Lot of turnovers caused by over-dribbling and he did not look prepared for New York's physicality.
- Starting lineup number 52 for the Sixers this season. A new NBA record. I hope Nurse has a cold glass of his favorite liquor after the last game of this season.
- The Madison Square Garden organist played You Broke My Heart by Drake early in the third quarter. You have to be quite talented to play an acoustic version of a rap song in a way that is recognizable over a telecast of a basketball game.
The Sixers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., Eastern time. You can watch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
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