New York Knicks shut down Philadelphia Sixers, end NBA Cup opener on a high note

With old friend Joel Embiid making his season debut on Tuesday night, the New York Knicks allowed the 2023 MVP to pick up where he left off.

Facing Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers in the opening game of NBA Cup group play, the Knicks spoiled Embiid’s return with a 111-99 victory at Wells Fargo Center. Tuesday marked the first meeting between the Knicks and the 76ers since the Atlantic Division rivals battled each other in the opening round of the playoffs last year.

OG Anunoby led the way with 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting, while Josh Hart posted a triple double of 14 points, 12 rebound and 10 assist. Karl-Anthony Towns fell four helpers short of joining him with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson scored 18 despite a brief exit due to an apparent ankle injury.

Embiid made his return from both a lingering knee injury and a three-game suspension with a minutes restriction and struggled to the tune of a 2-of-11 night from the field. The bulk of Embiid’s 13 points came on an 8-of-8 night from the foul line (tied for a game-high with Brunson), while the scoring duties fell mostly to rival newcomer Paul George, who led the way with 29 points and 10 points. bounces back.

With the win, the Knicks (5-5, 1-0) not only move back to .500, but also find themselves tied for the early lead in Group A in the Eastern Conference’s NBA Cup proceedings. The Orlando Magic currently hold the tiebreaker with their 114-89 win over Charlotte. Group play in New York resumes on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets.

In the meantime, the Knicks won’t have much time to savor the victory as they tip off a four-game stretch as they head into Wednesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).

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