With outdated good friend Joel Embiid making his season debut Tuesday evening, the New York Knicks allowed the 2023 MVP to choose up the place he left off.
Going through Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers within the opening sport of the NBA Cup group sport, the Knicks spoiled Embiid’s comeback with a 111-99 victory on the Wells Fargo Heart. Tuesday marked the primary assembly between the Knicks and 76ers because the Atlantic Division rivals battled within the first spherical of final yr’s playoffs.
OG Anunoby led the best way with 24 factors on 11-of-16 capturing whereas Josh Hart had a triple-double of 14 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Karl-Anthony Cities dropped 4 assists to hitch him with 21 factors and 13 rebounds whereas Jalen Brunson scored 18 regardless of briefly outing with an obvious ankle harm.
Embiid returned after a lingering knee harm and three-game minutes-restricted suspension and struggled enjoying 2 of 11 from the sphere. Most of Embiid’s 13 factors got here on an 8-of-8 evening from the foul line (tied for a excessive with Brunson), because the scoring duties principally fell on the newcomer in rivalry, Paul George, who led the best way with 29 factors and 10. rebounds.
With this victory, the Knicks (5-5, 1-0) not solely return to .500, but in addition discover themselves tied for the lead in Group A in Jap Convention NBA Cup exercise. The Orlando Magic at the moment maintain the tiebreaker with their 114-89 win over Charlotte. New York group play resumes Friday in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets.
Within the meantime, the Knicks haven’t got a lot time to savor the victory, as they tip off a four-game set in opposition to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday evening (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
