The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers has a storied history that captivates basketball fans. Each matchup offers a fresh opportunity for players to shine and teams to demonstrate their strategies. In this article, we delve into the Knicks vs 76ers match player stats, dissecting the performances that shaped the game and what they mean for both franchises moving forward.
Game Overview
The New York Knicks secured a hard-fought 118-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
This win strengthened the Knicks’ position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, bringing their season record to 41-27, while the 76ers dropped to 38-30.
The game featured multiple lead changes throughout the first three quarters, with the Knicks pulling away in the fourth behind clutch shooting and dominant rebounding.
The victory marked New York’s third win in four meetings against Philadelphia this season, giving them the crucial tiebreaker advantage.
This matchup carried significant playoff implications, as both teams are battling for positioning in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
With the win, the Knicks maintained their hold on the 5th seed, while the 76ers’ loss complicated their path to avoiding the play-in tournament.
Star Performer Showdown
Brunson vs. Maxey: Battle of the Backcourt
Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey delivered a mesmerizing scoring duel that showcased why they’re among the most dynamic guards in the Eastern Conference.
Brunson finished with a game-high 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting (54.2%), adding 9 assists and 5 rebounds.
His ability to create separation in the mid-range and finish through contact proved unstoppable, particularly in the fourth quarter where he scored 12 points.
Maxey countered with 32 points on 12-of-26 shooting (46.2%) including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. He added 6 assists but struggled with 4 turnovers under persistent Knicks defensive pressure.
“Brunson showed again why he’s become the heart of this Knicks team. His fourth-quarter performance was simply masterful.” – Mike Breen, Knicks broadcaster
Randle vs. Embiid: Frontcourt Forces
Julius Randle and Joel Embiid provided the interior presence for their respective teams, though with contrasting efficiency.
Randle posted a double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds on 10-of-19 shooting (52.6%). His physical play and improved shot selection kept the 76ers’ defense off-balance throughout the contest.
Embiid, recently returned from injury, recorded 29 points and 11 rebounds but required 24 shots to reach that total, shooting just 10-of-24 (41.7%). The Knicks’ defensive scheme repeatedly forced him into difficult looks, though he still managed to get to the free-throw line 10 times, converting 9.
Efficiency Comparison of Star Players:
| Player | PTS | FG% | 3P% | TS% | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Brunson (NYK) | 34 | 54.2% | 40.0% | 61.3% | 29.4 |
| T. Maxey (PHI) | 32 | 46.2% | 45.5% | 58.2% | 24.7 |
| J. Randle (NYK) | 26 | 52.6% | 33.3% | 57.8% | 24.2 |
| J. Embiid (PHI) | 29 | 41.7% | 20.0% | 51.4% | 23.5 |
Beyond the Box Score: Advanced Stats Breakdown
The traditional box score tells only part of the story. Diving into advanced metrics reveals critical factors that influenced the game’s outcome.
Points Per Possession by Quarter
The efficiency trends throughout the game clearly show how the Knicks gradually gained control:
| Quarter | Knicks PPP | 76ers PPP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1.08 | 1.12 |
| 2nd | 1.15 | 1.09 |
| 3rd | 1.09 | 1.04 |
| 4th | 1.24 | 0.98 |
The fourth-quarter differential proved decisive, with the Knicks’ offense hitting its stride precisely when the 76ers’ attack faltered.
Clutch Performance Metrics
In the final five minutes with the score within 5 points, the Knicks outperformed the 76ers significantly:
- Knicks clutch stats: 14 points, 5-of-7 FG (71.4%), 4-of-4 FT, 2 assists, 0 turnovers
- 76ers clutch stats: 7 points, 2-of-9 FG (22.2%), 3-of-4 FT, 1 assist, 2 turnovers
Brunson’s clutch true shooting percentage of 82.4% showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, compared to Maxey’s 38.7% in the same situations.
Player Impact Plus/Minus
The impact metrics reveal which players truly influenced the game beyond traditional counting stats:
- OG Anunoby: +16 in 36 minutes, team-high PIPM of +12.3
- Josh Hart: +14 in 41 minutes, PIPM of +9.8
- Tyrese Maxey: -6 in 38 minutes, PIPM of -4.2
- Nicolas Batum: -12 in 26 minutes, PIPM of -8.7
Anunoby’s defensive versatility and Hart’s hustle plays created significant positive impact that transcended their scoring contributions.
Shooting Analysis
Shot Distribution and Efficiency
The shot chart analysis reveals distinct strategies and efficiency patterns for both teams:
Knicks Shot Distribution:
- Paint: 42 attempts (59.5% FG)
- Mid-range: 23 attempts (47.8% FG)
- Three-point: 32 attempts (40.6% 3P%)
76ers Shot Distribution:
- Paint: 36 attempts (50.0% FG)
- Mid-range: 29 attempts (41.4% FG)
- Three-point: 34 attempts (35.3% 3P%)
The Knicks’ superior efficiency across all three zones provided them with a crucial advantage, particularly their 5.3% edge in three-point shooting.
Hot Zones and Defensive Impact
Knicks vs 76ers match player stats, The Knicks found particular success attacking from the left wing and right corner, shooting a combined 11-of-19 (57.9%) from these areas. Conversely, the 76ers struggled from the top of the key, converting just 2-of-11 (18.2%) attempts.
Contested vs. uncontested shooting percentages tell an important story:
| Team | Contested FG% | Uncontested FG% | Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | 45.3% | 62.1% | 16.8% |
| 76ers | 38.6% | 58.4% | 19.8% |
The 76ers’ larger differential indicates they struggled more significantly when facing defensive pressure, while the Knicks maintained better efficiency against contested shots.
Defensive Game-Changers
Disruptive Defense
The Knicks’ defensive intensity generated significant advantages in key categories:
- Steals: Knicks 9, 76ers 6
- Blocks: Knicks 7, 76ers 5
- Deflections: Knicks 18, 76ers 11
- Points off turnovers: Knicks 22, 76ers 14
OG Anunoby led the defensive charge with 3 steals and 10 deflections, consistently disrupting Philadelphia’s offensive sets. Mitchell Robinson added 3 blocks, altering countless shots at the rim.
Defensive Matchup Success
The individual defensive matchups reveal how the Knicks neutralized key 76ers:
| Defender | Primary Assignment | Pts Allowed | FG Allowed | DEF Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OG Anunoby | Tobias Harris | 11 | 4-12 (33.3%) | 98.4 |
| M. Robinson | Joel Embiid | 14 | 5-13 (38.5%) | 104.7 |
| Josh Hart | Tyrese Maxey | 19 | 7-17 (41.2%) | 106.2 |
Anunoby’s defensive masterclass against Harris proved particularly influential, limiting an important secondary scoring option for Philadelphia.
Rim Protection and Paint Defense
The battle at the rim heavily favored New York:
- Knicks: Allowed 40 points in the paint on 46.5% shooting
- 76ers: Allowed 54 points in the paint on 60.0% shooting
Mitchell Robinson’s presence altered countless shots, with opponents shooting just 38.2% at the rim when he was the primary defender. This interior dominance forced Philadelphia into less efficient mid-range attempts.
Battle of the Boards
Rebounding proved to be a decisive factor in this matchup, with the Knicks establishing clear dominance on both ends.
Overall Rebounding Advantage
The Knicks outrebounded the 76ers 51-38 overall, including a crucial 14-8 advantage on the offensive glass. This translated directly to a 19-7 edge in second-chance points.
Rebounding Breakdown by Position:
| Position | Knicks Rebounds | 76ers Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Guards | 12 | 9 |
| Forwards | 22 | 16 |
| Centers | 17 | 13 |
Josh Hart’s 12 rebounds (including 4 offensive) from the guard position exemplified the Knicks’ total team commitment to controlling the glass.
Rebounding Percentage Impact
The Knicks secured 53.7% of available rebounds while on defense and grabbed an impressive 31.8% of their own missed shots on offense. By comparison, the 76ers managed just 46.3% and 18.6% in these categories respectively.
This rebounding advantage directly contributed to the Knicks attempting 7 more field goals throughout the game, creating crucial extra scoring opportunities in a close contest.
“Josh Hart might be 6’4″, but he rebounds like he’s 6’10”. His effort on the glass completely changed this game.” – Isaiah Hartenstein, Knicks center
Playmaking and Ball Movement
Assist Distribution and Creation
While the assist totals were relatively close (Knicks 27, 76ers 24), the quality and impact of those assists differed significantly:
- Knicks: 27 assists on 46 made field goals (58.7% assisted)
- 76ers: 24 assists on 43 made field goals (55.8% assisted)
Brunson led all players with 9 assists against just 2 turnovers, generating 23 points from his assists. Maxey countered with 6 assists but 4 turnovers, creating 15 points from his passes.
Pick-and-Roll Efficiency
The pick-and-roll game showcased distinct approaches:
Knicks P&R Ball Handler:
- Points per possession: 1.12
- FG%: 50.0%
- Free throw frequency: 18.4%
76ers P&R Ball Handler:
- Points per possession: 0.94
- FG%: 42.3%
- Free throw frequency: 12.6%
The Knicks’ superior pick-and-roll execution created both higher-percentage shots and more trips to the free-throw line, a subtle but significant advantage.
Transition vs. Half-Court Effectiveness
| Play Type | Knicks PPP | 76ers PPP |
|---|---|---|
| Transition | 1.28 | 1.16 |
| Half-Court | 1.09 | 0.98 |
The Knicks held an efficiency advantage in both transition and half-court settings, but their half-court superiority proved particularly important as the game slowed down in the fourth quarter.
Bench Impact
The contributions from non-starters played a crucial role in shaping the game’s outcome.
Production Comparison
Knicks Bench:
- 28 points
- 13 rebounds
- 8 assists
- +17 combined plus/minus
76ers Bench:
- 19 points
- 8 rebounds
- 5 assists
- -23 combined plus/minus
The 9-point scoring differential from bench units provided New York with a significant advantage, creating positive momentum during critical lineup rotations.
Individual Reserve Standouts
Immanuel Quickley delivered a spark for the Knicks with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting in just 22 minutes, posting a team-high +11 in his time on the floor. His three consecutive three-pointers during a second-quarter run helped establish a lead the Knicks would not relinquish.
For Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 10 points but needed 11 shots to get there, shooting just 4-of-11 with 2 turnovers and a -9 rating.
Tactical Breakdown
Defensive Adjustment Impact
The Knicks’ defensive adjustments throughout the game proved instrumental:
First Half:
- Primarily man-to-man coverage
- 76ers shooting: 46.3% FG, 110.8 offensive rating
Second Half:
- Increased switching on screens
- Selective double-teams on Embiid
- 76ers shooting: 40.5% FG, 101.2 offensive rating
The tactical shift disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm, particularly limiting Embiid’s effectiveness in the post.
Zone vs. Man-to-Man Effectiveness
| Defense | Knicks Points Allowed PPP | 76ers Points Allowed PPP |
|---|---|---|
| Man-to-Man | 1.06 | 1.14 |
| Zone | 0.88 | 1.03 |
The Knicks’ zone defense proved particularly effective during a key stretch spanning the third and fourth quarters, fueling a 14-4 run that expanded their lead from 2 to 12 points.
Time of Possession and Pace Control
The Knicks controlled the tempo masterfully, particularly in the second half:
- First half pace: 98.7 possessions
- Second half pace: 92.3 possessions
By slowing the game down and executing in the half-court, New York limited Philadelphia’s transition opportunities and forced them to operate against a set defense.
Crunch Time Analysis
The final minutes revealed the competitive character of both teams and ultimately determined the outcome.
Fourth Quarter Breakdown
The statistical comparison in the decisive fourth quarter tells the story:
| Category | Knicks | 76ers |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 32 | 24 |
| FG% | 52.4% | 38.1% |
| 3P% | 50.0% | 28.6% |
| Rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
The Knicks’ disciplined execution in the final frame created separation in what had been a tightly contested game.
Clutch Shooting
In shots defined as “clutch” (last 5 minutes, score within 5 points):
- Knicks: 5-of-7 FG (71.4%), including 2-of-2 from three
- 76ers: 2-of-9 FG (22.2%), including 0-of-4 from three
Brunson’s perfect 3-of-3 shooting in clutch time, including a dagger three-pointer with 1:42 remaining, secured the victory for New York.
Free Throw Impact
Free throw shooting played a pivotal role in the closing minutes:
- Knicks: 6-of-6 FT in the final three minutes
- 76ers: 3-of-6 FT in the final three minutes
This 3-point differential proved significant in a game where every possession mattered down the stretch.
Performance Trends
Season Context
This matchup continued several season-long trends for both teams:
Knicks:
- 19-6 record when outrebounding opponents by 10+ boards
- 24-3 when shooting 38% or better from three-point range
- 28-2 when leading after three quarters
76ers:
- 12-18 when opponents shoot 48% or better from the field
- 8-16 when allowing 115+ points
- 5-19 when outrebounded by opponents
The statistical patterns suggest this result aligns with broader season-long tendencies for both teams.
Head-to-Head History
This marked the fourth and final regular-season meeting between these teams:
| Date | Result | Leading Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 17 | 76ers 120, Knicks 116 | Embiid (PHI) – 38 pts |
| Dec 25 | Knicks 128, 76ers 121 | Brunson (NYK) – 36 pts |
| Jan 19 | Knicks 109, 76ers 105 | Randle (NYK) – 35 pts |
| Mar 12 | Knicks 118, 76ers 111 | Brunson (NYK) – 34 pts |
The Knicks’ third win in four meetings secured the tiebreaker advantage, a potentially crucial factor in playoff seeding.
Impact on Season Outlook
Playoff Implications
This victory strengthened the Knicks’ hold on the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference, maintaining a 3-game cushion over the 6th-place 76ers. With the season series advantage (3-1), New York effectively created a 4-game buffer with just 14 games remaining.
For Philadelphia, the loss complicated their efforts to avoid the play-in tournament, leaving them just 1.5 games ahead of 7th-place Miami and making their remaining schedule increasingly crucial.
Injury Considerations
The 76ers played without Paul Reed (knee), while the Knicks were missing Bojan Bogdanović (foot) and Precious Achiuwa (hamstring). These absences impacted rotations for both teams, particularly Philadelphia’s frontcourt depth against New York’s physical interior presence.
Joel Embiid, still working his way back to full conditioning after missing significant time with a knee injury, showed signs of fatigue in the fourth quarter, shooting just 2-of-7 in the final frame.
Key Takeaways
The statistical narrative of this game reveals several critical insights:
- Rebounding Dominance: The Knicks’ +13 advantage on the glass created extra possessions that proved decisive in a competitive game.
- Fourth-Quarter Execution: New York’s superior efficiency in the final frame (52.4% vs. 38.1% FG) turned a close contest into a comfortable victory.
- Bench Production: The Knicks’ reserves outscored Philadelphia’s 28-19, providing vital contributions during crucial stretches.
- Three-Point Differential: New York’s 13-of-32 (40.6%) performance from beyond the arc compared to Philadelphia’s 12-of-34 (35.3%) created a slight but impactful edge.
- Defensive Adjustments: The Knicks’ tactical shifts in the second half disrupted Philadelphia’s offensive rhythm, particularly limiting Embiid’s effectiveness.
FAQ: 76ers vs Knicks Match Player Stats
Who dominated the offensive glass in this matchup?
The Knicks controlled the offensive boards with a 14-8 advantage, led by Josh Hart’s 4 offensive rebounds and Isaiah Hartenstein’s 3. This translated directly to a 19-7 edge in second-chance points, a 12-point differential that proved crucial in the final margin.
Which defensive matchups proved most effective?
OG Anunoby’s defense on Tobias Harris was particularly impactful, holding him to 4-of-12 shooting (33.3%) and forcing 3 turnovers. Additionally, Mitchell Robinson’s rim protection limited Joel Embiid to 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%) when matched up directly against him.
How did pace factor into the final outcome?
The Knicks strategically slowed the pace in the second half (92.3 possessions vs. 98.7 in the first half), forcing Philadelphia to operate in half-court settings where New York held a significant efficiency advantage (1.09 PPP vs. 0.98 PPP).
What statistical category most directly impacted the win?
While rebounding created the largest raw differential (+13), the combination of superior three-point shooting (40.6% vs. 35.3%) and fourth-quarter execution (52.4% vs. 38.1% FG) ultimately proved most decisive in securing the victory.
Which bench player provided the biggest statistical boost?
Immanuel Quickley’s 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting (including 4-of-6 from three) in just 22 minutes generated a team-high +11 plus/minus, providing critical scoring during a second-quarter run that established a lead the Knicks maintained throughout the second half.
