Sixers defeat Knicks 110-106

The Philadelphia 76ers played well late in the game to sneak by the Knicks 110-106.

This one really came down to defense, the Knicks played well on defense at times, but it wasn’t enough. The constant switching and no communication led to miscues on defense. Late in the game they couldn’t score or play solid defense and that led to this terrible loss.

Evan Turner took advantage of the Knicks poor defensive effort as he scored a career high 34 points. He was on his game tonight as he drove the ball and shot the ball well. His play gave the Sixers a nice boost when they needed it most. Michael Carter-Williams and Thaddeus Young also came up big as they both added 19 points each.

Overall the Sixers made plays late in this game to win. They competed the entire game and for the most part controlled the game for 48 minutes.

The Knicks really struggled at times tonight and none bigger then the last part of the fourth quarter. After coming back from ten points down, the Knicks had all the momentum in the world as they took a six point lead. But their play once they had the lead was very concerning. The defense in particular was very bad late. The continue use of the “switch” has really screwed up this team this year. The defensive rotations and help defense have been nonexistent. This game came down to defense and the Knicks failed yet again. They have made zero adjustments from the beginning of the season to now. The same mistakes cost them in every game and tonight that was the case again.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points, but late in the game his return to the lineup seemed to throw the Knicks off. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but was able to score his normal points. Tonight wasn’t his best performance, but something to look positive at was his ball distribution. Anthony had a season high seven assists tonight and really made it his job to find his open teammates. That must be something he continues to do just to give his teammate confidence.

During the early part of the fourth quarter the Knicks were able to get back into this game. Andrea Bargnani was strong in the second half as he scored 20 points. He looked really good tonight and really made it a point to drive the basketball. He was a huge part on defense as well as he racked up four blocks. Overall he looked really good tonight and gave the Knicks some solid minutes.

Iman Shumpert had a strong game as well as he scored 19 points. His aggressiveness was there tonight and he looked good for the most part.

The Knicks continue to struggle and changes are imminent. This has been a very tough season for the Knicks and tonight was another missed opportunity. Credit the Sixers though because they came out strong and looked to have wanted this win.

Photo Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images