Feb 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) and forward Paul George (8) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
A late Knicks run sent the Sixers to their ninth defeat in a row despite a strong team-wide effort.
Here's what I saw.
- Paul George made some headlines for saying he was taking a hiatus from podcasting to focus on the end of the season. It was rightfully met with eye-rolls, George spending most of this season as a passenger on the plane he should've been co-piloting. But, his effort was undeniable. He shot a concert tour date in the first half. I'd rather that than being passive. I thought he looked particularly healthy, too. He was getting into the paint early, overcoming matchups with the likes of OG Anunoby to fight his way inside instead of betting entirely on the perimeter game. George had a rare takeover in the third quarter, powering Philadelphia's offense back into the game.
But, beyond that, there was genuine hustle and defensive effort. His off-ball instincts were sharp, sensing opportunities to tip away loose dribbles and jump passing lanes for steals. He competed on 50/50 plays, fighting to avoid jump or lost balls.
He and Nick Nurse were vocal about professionalism and good habits after the debacle against the Chicago Bulls. I can't knock his response. Actions speak louder than words.
- I understand options were limited, but if you're serious about winning, you have to exhaust every possibility before you look Andre Drummond's way. It's difficult to articulate how actively harmful he is to this team, and Nurse gave him the starting nod. The Sixers have had a horrible time defending in first quarters. So, the Knicks naturally targeted the veteran big man.
Drummond doesn't step high into coverage so that he can protect better against the drive. Not to worry, Jalen Brunson can bury a pull-up three to beat the coverage. Drummond didn't guard the basket on a baseline out-of-bounds play, allowing Mikal Bridges to cut around a screen for an uninhibited dunk.
It wasn't much better on offense. He was flat on his feet reaching for an offensive rebound in the first quarter, missing the ball when he was reasonably in the vicinity to come down with the miss. Don't get me started on the shots at the rim.
And yet - Philadelphia actually chose to run the offense through him on some possessions. What are we doing, man?
- Credit to Kelly Oubre Jr. for not letting the Sixers completely lose the leash in the first half, his scoring was there when George and Tyrese Maxey had nothing going. Having said that, his habit of impulsively giving contact when offensive players are under shot clock duress is absolutely horrible. I'm not suggesting that the most meaningful stakeholders are referring to Oubre when they talk about the team having bad habits. But, when you're committing bad fouls regularly at 29, it's a bad habit.
- Bridges got a wide open midrange jumper on his eighth field goal attempt after starting the game making his first six shots. That should be impossible. At some point, you have to abandon your defensive scheme and just say, "You stay on this guy and don't leave home to help under any circumstances".
Simplify it. Take away all decisions. Just don't leave the hot hand alone. They've done a horrendous job of that over the last several weeks. Malik Beasley, Payton Pritchard, Kevin Huerter and now Bridges. It's unacceptable. This is a matter of pride. This is a matter of basketball intelligence. But, above all else, it's a matter of care.
- If I were a coach with a directive to stealthily tank, I'd probably play lineups with a Quentin Grimes-Lonnie Walker IV backcourt and Drummond as the man in the middle. But, remember, they're trying to win!
- Jared Butler is sitting right there. You don't have to drain all the juice from Maxey's battery. You don't have to roll out lineups with no point guards. Nurse is doing as little as possible to recuse himself from this disastrous season.
- It was pretty clear Maxey's sprained finger was bothering him as this game went on. He missed a bunch of threes he usually knocks down and, by the second half, was turning down open three-point looks in favor of drives. That might've had a little bit to do with New York losing Ariel Hukporti, the Knicks' one true big with both Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson out. They had to resort to the under-sized Precious Achiuwa, and suddenly Maxey got going by way of the driving game. Even then, he was turning down some very clear looks that he usually takes.
- Interesting take from the dad of Dylan Harper, a consensus top-three pick in the 2025 draft:
If I was the GM of @sixers I’m shutting Joel embiid down and tho king about shutting Paul George down too and hope we get a high lottery pick…. TANK
The Sixers (20-38) will host the Golden State Warriors (31-27) on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., Eastern time. You can catch the game on ABC.
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