The Philadelphia 76ers retook the hardwood in Madison Square Garden for Game 2 in their first-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks. After a disappointing collapse in Game 1, the Sixers were looking to rebound (pun very much intended) as they had another chance to steal home-court advantage.
Unfortunately for Philadelphia and their fans, this game would raise their hopes only to dash them to tiny pieces.
Maxey’s flu game
It was a most interesting game for Tyrese Maxey, who, at times, looked like the equally ill Michael Jordan during his flu game but also was extremely copeable in the team’s loss.
Regardless of one’s health, 35 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists is quite an impressive stat line. Maxey was explosive offensively and has managed to overcome every look New York has thrown his way, but when the Sixers needed him most, he vanished.
Though he played well for most of the game, Maxey played 13 minutes of costly basketball for the Sixers, including 12 scoreless minutes in the third quarter and two turnovers in the final two minutes of the fourth. Although, arguments were and will continue to be raised about the game’s final seconds.
Where in the world is Buddy Hield?
As impressive as Tyrese Maxey’s night was, despite his arguable last-minute miscue, Buddy Hield’s was the complete antitheist. Taking three shots and scoring just two points, Hield was once again a complete non-factor in this series.
Are the playoff lights too bright? What keeps Hield from seizing the moment or even playing like a functional offensive cog?
There is still time to turn this series around, but Hield is not only costing himself a role on this playoff run but also millions of dollars this offseason.
Another controversial ending
It was confounding that Sixers head coach Nick Nurse did not call a timeout in the moments before the Knicks retook the lead. Except, according to Nurse, he did call a timeout, multiple times both before the inbounds and when Maxey was on the court with the ball, but was rebuffed multiple times by the officials.
As the Sixers looked to inbound the ball down three with less than 30 seconds on the clock, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse attempted to call a timeout repeatedly but to no avail.
There were also stills that showed Knicks guard Jalen Brunson grabbing Tyrese Maxey by the jersey on the inbounds play which, by the letter of the law, is a foul. There was no whistle, however, and the game proceeded in a way that wound up favorable for New York.
As inexplicable as this is, many arguments could also be made that the Sixers should not have found themselves in this position to begin with. Had it not been for several critical lapses, the Sixers would, and should, have walked away with a win on the road tonight.
While the performance of the referee crew was questionable at best, it happened and there is no option but to move on. Though that’s not how the Sixers feel apparently.
The airing of grievances
Well, it looks like Festivus is coming early this year as the Sixers will be airing their grievances to the league office, according to All PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck.
Will this change? No, but will this at least spark the embers of meaningful change? Also no.
Up next for the Sixers
The series is coming back home for the Sixers, who need a trip to Philadelphia in the worst way. The next battle between these two Atlantic Division rivals will come on Thursday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m., and you can catch the game on TNT or NBC Sports Philadelphia.
