After beating the New York Knicks on Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers got their first victory in this series. Additionally, it was a hard-fought win, but they were able to pull away from the Knicks thanks to hitting nine three-pointers in the third quarter. On Sunday afternoon, they will have a chance to tie this series up. Also, if they can get these three factors to show up in the contest, they will get another victory over New York.
Firstly, they will need to continue to play tight perimeter defense. They must hold New York to one possession on the offensive side. Secondly, Philly needs another role player to show up and help them win the non-Embiid minutes. Losing those minutes was the main reason the Sixers lost the first two games of this series. If they can survive those minutes, they increase their odds of beating New York. Lastly, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will need to remain dominant. Both players have dominated their matchups, and if that continues, Philly will tie this series on Sunday afternoon.
Knicks vs. 76ers Game 4 Preview: Philadelphia’s Keys to Win
1. Perimeter Defense and Limiting New York to One Offensive Possession
On Thursday night, the Sixers maintained their double-digit lead by making New York a half-court team. Also, they played a dominant perimeter defense that forced the Knicks into two turnovers, effectively ending their comeback attempt. The Sixers need to carry that performance from game three into game four. The Knicks will have a tough time getting their explosive offense started.
Additionally, New York is a team that does not operate well when they are not given wide-open shots or allowed to get to the free-throw line. Besides Jalen Brunson, they do not have many shot creators on the roster. Also, combining that with keeping them off the offensive glass will stifle their explosive offense. This will force them to operate outside of the flow of their offense. If the Sixers can force them into turnovers and score points off them. They will win game four and tie this series as it shifts back to New York.
2. Philly Must Win the Non-Embiid Minutes
During the previous three games in this series, whichever team dominated the non-Embiid minutes won the contest. The Sixers won those minutes in game three and will need to do it again on Sunday. Also, inserting Cameron Payne off the bench turned that contest in the Sixers’ favor. That was a brilliant move by head coach Nick Nurse. Additionally, Payne took Buddy Hield’s spot in the rotation. If the Knicks do not have an answer for him on Sunday, he will once again be an x-factor in igniting a Philly offensive surge during the non-Embiid minutes on Sunday. His ability to hit threes and attack the basket created many problems for New York’s defense.
Role players usually play better on their home court. Also, the Sixers will need multiple role players to score in double-figures to keep the Knicks at bay in game four. Additionally, Philly can get various role players to share the scoring load with Maxey and Embiid. They can win game four and tie this series at two games apiece.
3. Embiid and Maxey Must Continue to be Dominant in this Series
Embiid and Maxey have been the best two players in this series. Also, that will need to continue if the Sixers hope to tie this series on Sunday. New York has not had an answer for either one of them. Additionally, they combined for 75 points in game three. They may not need to account for that many points, but they will need to at least combine for 60 or more for the Sixers to have a chance in this series. More importantly, the scoring will be their ability to create high-percentage opportunities for their teammates.
That was the biggest difference in game three. The Sixers finally got other players to contribute, thanks to the playmaking abilities of both Embiid and Maxey. If they can continue to put their teammates in great positions to put the ball into the basket. They will be in great shape to tie this series on Sunday afternoon.
