The Philadelphia 76ers let Game 2 in New York get away. Facing elimination Tuesday night in the Big Apple, the Sixers pulled off a miraculous comeback to extend their season for at least one more game.
Philadelphia’s season appeared to be over as the Knicks held a six-point lead with less than 30 seconds to play. However, Tyrese Maxey was fouled on a three-point attempt with 25.1 seconds on the clock. Maxey made the shot and the ensuing free throw to cut New York’s lead to two. Josh Hart split a pair of free throws for the Knicks, giving the Sixers 15 seconds to force overtime — Maxey pulled up from 34 feet and sent the game to OT.
“What was going through my mind was trying to survive,” Maxey said. “Our season is on the line. I trust my work. I trust what I’ve done all my life, and I just tried to get to a spot, raise up and knock that shot down.”
New York would start overtime on a 5-0 run, but the Sixers battled back once again. Maxey, Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre combined to score 13 of Philly’s 15 points in the extra session to secure a 112-106 win. Maxey finished with 46 points in 52 minutes — outgunning Jalen Brunson who poured in 40 for the Knicks.
“Just a tough way to lose a ballgame,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We had a lead. We’ve got to play tougher with the lead. We fouled in a situation that we didn’t want to foul in, and then Maxey makes a big shot. So, we’ve got to do better.”
Still impacted by his knee injury and Bell’s palsy, Embiid also played through a migraine and contributed 19 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and four blocks.
“Tonight, obviously based on the circumstances and knowing what was needed, based on what was happening and me not being able to be myself, he just had to do it,” said Embiid. “And he did it. That’s why he is such an amazing basketball player.”
Game 6 is Thursday in Philadelphia.
