And boy, what a game it was! The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks faced off in a thrilling matchup on November 12, 2024, that had fans on the edge of their seats. This clash between two Eastern Conference powerhouses showcased some of the NBA’s top talents going head-to-head. But who came out on top? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the 76ers vs Knicks match player stats and see how the stars aligned on the court that night.
The Battle of the Big Men
So, you’re probably wondering how the big guys down low fared, right? Well, let me tell you, it was a clash of the titans in the paint!
Joel Embiid, the 76ers’ towering center, put on a show that reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most dominant players. The big man dropped a whopping 39 points, proving once again that he’s a force to be reckoned with. But that’s not all – Embiid also snagged 13 rebounds, showing off his ability to control the glass on both ends of the court.
On the Knicks’ side, Isaiah Hartenstein held his own against the 76ers’ star. While he didn’t match Embiid’s scoring output, Hartenstein contributed a solid 14 points and 9 rebounds. His 53.8% shooting from the field showed that he wasn’t intimidated by the competition.
But here’s the kicker – the Knicks’ frontcourt depth really shone through. Mitchell Robinson came off the bench to grab 9 rebounds in just under 18 minutes of play. Talk about making the most of your time on the court!
Guard Play: A Tale of Two Styles
Now, let’s shift our focus to the backcourt, where the real fireworks were happening!
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ floor general, had himself a night to remember. The point guard lit up the scoreboard with a game-high 41 points. But Brunson wasn’t just about scoring – he also dished out 12 assists, showcasing his ability to create for his teammates. His 48.1% shooting from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc proved that he was feeling it from all over the court.
On the other side, Tyrese Maxey led the charge for the 76ers’ backcourt. The young guard put up 17 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 assists to his stat line. While his shooting percentages weren’t as high as Brunson’s, Maxey’s contributions were crucial in keeping the 76ers in the game.
But here’s where it gets interesting – the Knicks’ backcourt depth really showed up. Donte DiVincenzo came off the bench to pour in 23 points on 44.4% shooting, including a scorching 55.6% from three-point range. Talk about a spark plug!
The Wing Players: Unsung Heroes
Alright, let’s not forget about the guys on the wings – they played a huge role in this game too!
OG Anunoby had himself a night for the Knicks. The forward dropped 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, showing off his two-way ability. His 47.1% shooting from the field and 40% from three-point range kept the 76ers’ defense honest all night long.
For the 76ers, Kelly Oubre Jr. stepped up with 17 points and 5 rebounds. His 50% shooting from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc provided some much-needed scoring punch for Philly.
But here’s the thing – it wasn’t just about the starters. The Knicks got a huge boost from Josh Hart, who flirted with a triple-double. Hart put up 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Bench Production: The X-Factor
Now, we all know that in the NBA, it’s not just about the starters. The guys coming off the bench can make or break a game. And in this matchup, both teams got some serious production from their reserves.
For the Knicks, we already mentioned DiVincenzo’s explosive performance. But let’s not forget about Miles McBride, who chipped in with 3 points in limited minutes. While his stats might not jump off the page, every contribution counts in a close game like this.
The 76ers, on the other hand, got a huge boost from their bench. Nicolas Batum came in and knocked down 16 points on an efficient 71.4% shooting from the field and 60% from three-point range. That’s the kind of spark that can change the momentum of a game!
And how about Buddy Hield? The sharpshooter came off the pine to drop 20 points, including a red-hot 66.7% from beyond the arc. When you’ve got guys like that coming off your bench, it makes life a whole lot easier for the starters.
Team Shooting: A Numbers Game
Alright, let’s break down the shooting stats for both teams, because in basketball, it often comes down to who’s putting the ball in the hoop more efficiently.
The Knicks as a team shot a solid 46.2% from the field and an impressive 45.2% from three-point range. Their ability to knock down shots from deep kept the 76ers’ defense stretched and opened up driving lanes for players like Brunson and Anunoby.
On the flip side, the 76ers weren’t too shabby themselves. They shot 43.7% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc. While these numbers are slightly lower than the Knicks’, they’re still respectable and show that both teams came ready to play.
But here’s where it gets interesting – free throw shooting. The 76ers had a clear advantage here, knocking down 95.7% of their attempts from the charity stripe. In a close game, those extra points from the line can make all the difference.
Rebounding Battle: Every Possession Counts
In the NBA, controlling the glass often means controlling the game. So, how did these two teams fare when it came to rebounding?
The Knicks managed to edge out the 76ers in this department, grabbing a total of 48 rebounds compared to the 76ers’ 46. But here’s the kicker – the Knicks had a slight advantage on the offensive glass, pulling down 9 offensive rebounds to the 76ers’ 8. Those extra possessions can be game-changers, especially in a tight contest.
Josh Hart was a beast on the boards for the Knicks, grabbing 14 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive end. His ability to crash the glass from the guard position gave New York some valuable second-chance opportunities.
For the 76ers, Embiid led the way with 13 rebounds, but it was a team effort on the glass. Players like Oubre Jr. and Batum chipped in with 5 and 7 rebounds respectively, showing that everyone was committed to doing the dirty work.
Assists and Ball Movement: Creating Easy Buckets
Basketball is a team sport, and sometimes the best offense is created by unselfish play and smart ball movement. So, how did these teams fare in the passing game?
The Knicks showed some impressive ball movement, dishing out a total of 28 assists as a team. Brunson led the way with 12 dimes, but he wasn’t the only one getting his teammates involved. Hart added 7 assists, while DiVincenzo chipped in with 7 of his own. This kind of balanced playmaking makes it tough for defenses to key in on just one player.
The 76ers weren’t far behind, totaling 20 assists for the game. Maxey and Lowry led the charge with 5 and 3 assists respectively. While their total was lower than the Knicks’, it’s worth noting that the 76ers’ offense often runs through Embiid in the post, which can lead to fewer assist opportunities.
Defensive Standouts: Steals and Blocks
Defense wins championships, as they say, and both teams had players who made their presence felt on that end of the floor.
For the Knicks, Anunoby was a menace on defense, racking up 2 steals and 2 blocks. His ability to disrupt the 76ers’ offense and protect the rim was crucial in keeping the game close.
On the 76ers’ side, Embiid showed why he’s considered one of the best two-way players in the league. The big man recorded a steal and a block, using his length and timing to alter shots and create turnovers.
But it wasn’t just about the individual standouts. Both teams played solid team defense, with the Knicks recording 6 steals and 8 blocks as a team, while the 76ers managed 6 steals and 5 blocks.
Closing Thoughts: A Game of Inches
When the final buzzer sounded, it was the Knicks who came out on top with a 118-115 victory. But man, was it close!
This game was a perfect example of how in the NBA, every possession counts. The Knicks’ slight edges in rebounding and assists, combined with their more efficient shooting, were just enough to push them over the top.
Brunson’s career night was undoubtedly the story of the game, but it was truly a team effort from the Knicks. From Anunoby’s two-way play to Hart’s near triple-double off the bench, everyone contributed to the win.
For the 76ers, Embiid’s dominant performance kept them in the game until the very end. And while they came up short, the contributions from players like Hield and Batum off the bench showed that this team has the depth to compete with anyone.
In the end, this game was a showcase of what makes the NBA so exciting – star power, clutch performances, and the kind of back-and-forth action that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. And if this game is any indication, we’re in for one heck of a season!
