The New York Knicks saw their six-game win streak come to a halt Friday night, falling 116-107 to the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back - and still shaking off the after-effects of a demanding NBA Cup schedule in Las Vegas - the Knicks looked gassed, and it showed.
Knicks Run Out of Steam, Sixers Keep Answering
From the opening tip, it was clear the Knicks didn’t have the same burst we’ve seen during their recent run. Every time New York tried to mount a charge, Philadelphia had a response ready.
The Knicks' largest lead of the night? Just six points.
The Sixers, meanwhile, leaned heavily on their dynamic backcourt duo - and they delivered.
Tyrese Maxey was electric, dropping 30 points and dishing out nine assists, controlling the tempo and punishing the Knicks in transition. Rookie VJ Edgecombe added 23 points of his own in a breakout performance, giving the Knicks’ perimeter defense fits all night long.
Without Joel Embiid in the lineup, this was a game the Knicks needed to take control of - but they never found their rhythm on either end.
Brunson and Anunoby Go Quiet
It’s tough to win in this league when your stars don’t show up, and that was the case for New York on Friday. Jalen Brunson, who’s been the engine behind the Knicks’ recent surge, couldn’t find the touch. He finished 7-for-22 from the field, and while he still managed to keep the offense moving at times, the efficiency just wasn’t there.
OG Anunoby had an even tougher night, scoring just two points on 1-of-9 shooting. He never looked comfortable offensively and struggled to make an impact on the other end, where he’s usually a difference-maker.
The fatigue factor can’t be ignored. After a grueling week that included travel and high-stakes competition in the NBA Cup, the legs just weren’t there - and against a fast-paced Sixers squad, that’s a recipe for trouble.
Tyler Kolek Hits a Wall
Tyler Kolek had been a bright spot off the bench in recent games, but Friday night was a reminder that rookie growing pains are part of the process. In 15 minutes, Kolek managed just two points and two assists, but the bigger concern was his decision-making. He turned the ball over four times and committed five fouls, struggling to find any kind of rhythm.
With Miles McBride still sidelined, the Knicks need Kolek to steady the second unit. One off night isn’t cause for panic, but they’ll be looking for a bounce-back performance soon - especially with depth being tested.
Mitchell Robinson Shines in a Career Night
If there was a silver lining for the Knicks, it was the monster performance from Mitchell Robinson. The veteran big man had one of the best games of his career, pouring in 21 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. He also added two blocks and a steal, anchoring the paint on both ends.
What really stood out? His free throw shooting.
Robinson went 7-for-8 from the line - a massive leap for a player who had made just eight of his first 33 free throws this season. If he can start converting at the stripe with any consistency, that adds a whole new dimension to his game.
Robinson’s effort on the offensive glass continues to be elite, but if he can start giving the Knicks some consistent scoring inside, they’ve got a legitimate weapon coming off the bench.
What’s Next
The Knicks missed an opportunity to take advantage of an Embiid-less Sixers squad, and the loss snaps a strong run of momentum. But given the schedule and circumstances, this one feels more like a stumble than a setback.
They’ll get a chance to regroup this weekend before hosting the Miami Heat on Sunday night - a key matchup against a conference rival. Expect a fresher, sharper Knicks team to take the floor with something to prove.