76ers vs Knicks Match Player Stats – NBA fans like to always watch the classic rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. Whether you’re rooting for Joel Embiid and his squad or the young, tenacious Knicks team, one thing is for sure: It’s a great matchup, one that never disappoints. The really interesting thing, however, is how its each player stacks in stats. With 76ers vs. Knicks, we break down the key player stats from a recent game and how the performances played out and what it means moving forward.
1. Joel Embiid: The 76ers’ Dominant Force
There’s no shock that Joel Embiid is the heart of Philadelphia 76ers’ offense. Big men don’t get much more versatile than his ability to dominate the paint and stretch the floor. This is one of the ones where Embiid put up some crazy numbers.
Offensive Contribution
His polished post moves and lethal mid range game showed through as Embiid scored 30+ points. He also hit a couple three point shots, showing his range that has defenders on their toes. But his solid defense could not be contained by the Knicks. Big also was the fact that Embiid was able to draw fouls and get to the free throw line. That helped fire up the 76ers during crunch time with his high percentage from the stripe.
Defensive Impact
Embiiud’s presence in the paint influenced a lot of shots on the defensive end. Instead of attempting perimeter shots, the Knicks had to settle for the lower percentage ones his mere presence forced them to. During runs when it appears the Knicks are gaining some rhythm offensively, his ability to protect the rim was vital.
Rebounding Mastery
Embiid added valuable scoring and defense while hauling down more than 10 rebounds to stonewall the Knicks’ second chance chances. His ability to run the floor turned the 76ers into a team that capitalized on fast break points, and also by getting on the glass.
2. Tyrese Maxey: The Rising Star Shines Bright
Embiid is the cornerstone the 76ers, but Tyrese Maxey is an integral piece to the team’s future. But Maxey’s stats in this game were likewise not to be outdone – although his evolving role within the team.
Scoring Efficiency
Maxey finished in the scoring lane in 25+ points while draining the hoop with such poise. He was quick off the dribble and could get by Knicks’ defense. Maxey was effective scoring from the rim or from mid range. He was on point from deep, and his three point shooting also added to it.
Playmaking Skills
The highlight of this game was Maxey’s court vision. Yet during this piece he’s often thought of for his scoring, but his assists this time were of his enhanced playmaking play. Maxey dished out 6+ assists finding his teammates in good positions setting up easy buckets and keeping the defense of the Knicks on it’s heels.
Defensive Tenacity
Maxey also showed off his potential on the defensive end with steals and shots contested. His hustle, and energy was contagious and that tone was set on the 76ers’ backcourt defense. These are still improvements to be made, especially in this area, but Maxey’s defensive tenacity gave the Knicks’ guards almost no impact on the game.
3. Knicks’ Julius Randle: New York’s Offense Engine
Julius Randle remains the New York Knicks heart and soul on offense. While Randle did not have much room for dribble penetration against the 76ers‘ stingy defense, he was efficient nonetheless and indicative of why the Knicks need him.
Scoring and Rebounding Efforts
This game, Randle dropped 20 plus points using his size and strength to bully his way to the paint. He struggled shooting from beyond the arc a bit, but he was able to get to the free throw line and get by efficiently inside the arc. His versatility is enough to make him a tough matchup, being able to post up smaller defenders or take larger ones off the dribble.
There was 10+ rebounds on the glass though and that is what attributed to Randles physicality and positioning. But his cephable to clean up the boards kept the Knicks in this game, getting several offensive boards and attendant second-chance points.
Playmaking Presence
Randle was one where he shined, in terms of getting involved. 5+ assists, getting teammates open looks as he dished it out. Not only is he a great playmaker in the forward position, which offers another layer to the Knicks’ offensive, but he is a dual threat on the court.
Defensive Struggles
Randle struggled to get a hold of the 76ers’ frontcourt defensively. Randle looked less than impressive defensively, and though he did some steals and blocks, the 76ers’ offensive versatility made it almost impossible for Randle to have his normal impact on that end of the floor.
4. Jalen Brunson: Key Playmaker for the Knicks
Since joining the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has been an revelation for the team. He is one of their most valuable because of his leadership, his ability to control the pace of the game. But against Slovenian center Luka Doncic and his 30-point, 10 rebound, eight assist double-double for the Mavericks, Brunson’s numbers spoke to his might on the Knicks’ offense.
Scoring and Ball Handling
Always attacking the 76ers’ defense with his trademark floaters and drives to the bucket, Brunson scored around 20 points. While not the biggest guard, Brunson’s brain and feet facilitated cuts and shots in spots and made jumpers.
Assisting the Offense
Brunson also played accordingly, with 7+ assists on his playmaking. The Knicks were close throughout the game because, whether it was finding shooters in the corners or running pick and rolls with Randle, Brunson’s ability to orchestrate the offense was an important factor.
Defensive Competence
Brunson was busy on defence with Maxey, but he still stayed in the game, making it tough on Maxey to make shots. Even in a losing cause, his defensive effort in tandem with his offensive output made for one of the standout performances the Knicks had last month.
5. Bench Contributions: The Unsung Heroes
While the stars did what they had to do to do, so too did the bench players on both teams. So let’s take a look at how some of the key bench contributors have been performing.
76ers Bench: Depth and Hustle
In the critical moments, the 76ers’ bench was there for them with guys like De’Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre Jr. adding the spark. Specifically Melton, energised on both ends of the floor with timely three pointers and aggressive defense. Oubre Jr. provided those added minutes off the bench and the 76ers had an adequate lead when starters were resting.
Knicks Bench: Finding It Difficult to Be Consistent
Knicks bench wasn’t quite as successful. Immanuel Quickley and Josh Hart showed bright glimpses, but 76ers’ reserves were just too much for players like themselves to follow. While the Knicks needed a perimeter shot, Quickley’s shot himself in and out; Hart defended well, but wasn’t close to providing enough offensive assist.
Conclusion: 76ers vs Knicks Match Player Stats Key Takeaways
The 76ers vs. Knicks matchup was a nice blend of superstar showings, suffocating defense and an occasional highlight by a role player. This game showcased Embiid’s dominance, Maxey’s ascending star, Randle’s commitment, Brunson’s lead.
The win for the 76ers showed how deep they are and that they can beat the Eastern Conference’s best teams. While fouling out, the Knicks came up short, but it was a learning experience in determining the areas they can shore up — bench production and defensive adjustments. We all know these two teams are going to meet again as the season progresses and get some more fireworks from both sides.
