After holding a close lead for the majority of the game, the Knicks fell apart in the 4th quarter, losing 119-112 to the 76ers on Christmas Day.
Back-And-Forth Three Quarters
For the first three quarters, the Knicks and 76ers looked like completely even teams. The Knicks jumped out to an early 37-25 lead in the 1st quarter, but by halftime the 76ers chipped away to a 3 point deficit, trailing 63-60.
Julius Randle had a spectacular first half putting up a game high 25 points on 9-15 shooting from the field, 4-8 from the three point line, and 3-3 from the free throw line. Jalen Brunson also had a very impactful 1st half with 10 points as well as 6 assists.
The 76ers star duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden kept the 76ers in the game throughout the 1st half. Embiid led the way with 16 points while getting to the free throw line 11 times converting 7. Harden had 11 points and seven assists while also taking advantage of the free throw line hitting six out of seven attempts.
With Tyrese Maxey injured, De'Anthony Melton has stepped into the starting lineup for the 76ers, and he was a real thorn in the side of the Knicks in the 1st half. He hit all four of his three point attempts in the half for 12 total points.
Although by the end of the third quarter the Knicks held a 1 point lead, the play from Embiid and Harden set the stage for the eventual difference in the 4th quarter which costed the game for the Knicks.
Embiid was dominant in the 3rd quarter with 15 points on 6-9 shooting from the field, and 3-4 from the free throw line. Harden on the other hand could not be stopped from behind the three point line as he was 3-5 from behind the arc. He also hit this enormous three to start the 4th quarter.
logo Harden. pic.twitter.com/a5ewrOTJ7c
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 25, 2022
Disastrous 4th Quarter For The Knicks
After the dominant 3rd quarter from Embiid and Harden, the Knicks had a clear plan to make other 76er players beat them. Although Embiid and Harden were held to a mere 10 points combined in the 4th quarter, Harden was ready to find the open man.
Similarly to Melton earlier, Georges Niang had an enormous final frame as he hit 4-7 three pointers for 12 of the 76ers 24 4th quarter points. The Knicks accomplished their goal of limiting the 76ers stars points, however each were willing to make the right play and not force difficult shots down the stretch.
On the other hand, when faced with adversity the Knicks offense could not figure out a way to score consistently. Although Julius Randle had an enormous first half, he could not find that momentum in the second half. He only scored 10 points in the second half, and only 4 in the 4th quarter.
While Harden had five assists in the 4th quarter, Randle did not have a single assist. This was the main difference in the game as when the 76ers stars had to find a way for the team to score, they did. The Knicks simply could not get their role players involved the same way the Harden was able to.
RJ Barrett also struggled mightily in the 4th quarter. He was a mere 1-8 shooting for two points and two turnovers. This was a stark contrast to the quarter that Embiid put together as although he only had 4 points, he did not force shots that were not there. Embiid was 2-3 total in the quarter and allowed his gravity to open the floor for his teammates like Niang.
It is also important to note that Jalen Brunson left the game a few minutes into the 4th quarter with an undisclosed injury. Brunson certainly would have helped with the playmaking efforts for the Knicks offense down the stretch.
The Knicks will look to end their losing streak Tuesday night in New York against the Dallas Mavericks.
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