In the second game of the series between the 76ers and the Knicks, the result was decided in the final 45 seconds, with the Knicks completing an 8-0 run to seal the game, taking a commanding 2-0 lead. Throughout the game, Embiid recorded 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Maxey contributed 35 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Embiid’s knee appears to be a ticking time bomb, and in this series, the superstar doesn’t seem to be in peak condition. In the closing moments of the third quarter, a scene of Embiid receiving treatment on the sidelines for his knee was particularly distressing.
At the time, the team doctor was massaging Embiid’s knee, with Embiid already having removed his knee brace. Despite receiving treatment from the team doctor, Embiid appeared somewhat helpless, clearly eager to get back into the fray. This was because despite the 76ers holding a double-digit lead, they had been overtaken by the Knicks.
However, the knee became Embiid’s Achilles’ heel. In this battle, Embiid shot 6 for 14 from the field, 2 for 4 from three-point range, and 2 for 6 from the free-throw line, accumulating 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. Clearly, he was not at his best.
In the third quarter of the game, Embiid scored 13 points alone, bringing his total to 29 points and 10 rebounds by the end of the third quarter. However, despite his efforts, the Knicks had more contributors, outscoring the 76ers 30-21 in the third quarter to take a 79-74 lead.
The fourth quarter saw both sides fiercely contesting, with Embiid stepping up. It wasn’t until the final moments that the outcome was decided. With 1 minute and 9 seconds remaining, Maxey’s clutch three-pointer put the 76ers ahead with an 18-6 run. However, the Knicks surprised everyone by scoring 6 points in 14 seconds to regain the lead, ultimately emerging victorious.
In this battle, the 76ers’ dynamic duo achieved multiple records:
1. Embiid recorded his 8th playoff double-double, a feat achieved by the rest of the team only three times since 1997.
2. Embiid recorded his 15th playoff game with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain as the franchise leader.
3. Maxey achieved a new career-high in assists in a playoff game.
4. Maxey became the first player since Allen Iverson to record a 30+ point, 10+ assist playoff game.
5. Maxey became the third player in franchise history, after Iverson and Chamberlain, to achieve a 30+ point, 10+ assist playoff game.
6. Maxey became the third player in franchise history, after Iverson and Chamberlain, to achieve a 30+ point, 10+ assist, and 5+ rebound playoff game.
7. Embiid became the fourth player in franchise history, after Maxey, Iverson, and Chamberlain, to achieve a 30+ point, 10+ assist, and 5+ rebound playoff game.