Astonishing Contradiction in Knicks vs. 76ers Game 1

The discrepancy was quite remarkable.

Just looking at the box score, you’d find it hard to comprehend how the final score unfolded. In Game 1 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks made only 17 free throws, half as many as the 76ers, who converted 34, resulting in a hefty 137-98 defeat.

Joel Embiid managed to score 8 of his 14 points from the charity stripe, while Tyrese Maxey got 7 out of his 13 points there as well.

With that kind of score difference, it’s easy to overlook certain details. However, Knicks coach Mike Brown recognizes the need to address that and not let it slide.

“Maxey and Embiid are really effective in drawing fouls,” Brown commented after practice on Tuesday. “Maxey’s quickness allows him to drive and really push into defenders. I thought there were some calls, but we typically need to engage more with our chests instead of leading with our hands. Sometimes, we miss that contact initiation. Hopefully, the refs get it. But we shouldn’t leave any call up to them. We need to show more through our play.”

“Embiid’s skill set is tough to handle. He’s so crafty; he can fake out, shoot from all angles, whether it’s a double or a triple. It’s crucial for us to stay disciplined and competitive. We have to work on being the second jumper. We can’t keep sending those two to the free-throw line while the rest of our team barely gets there,” he added, emphasizing that going to the line 34 times, just as the Knicks did with 17, is not a sustainable way to win.

Brown also extended his condolences to 76ers coach Nick Nurse. “I learned about his brother Ian’s passing on April 29th,” he said. “I want to express my sympathies to Nick and his family during this tough time. Life is indeed precious, and no one should have to go through that.”

Looking ahead, Knicks player Miles McBride said he believes the team’s physicality could have a lasting effect throughout the series, especially given the 76ers’ thinner roster. “If it’s feasible, that might definitely have an impact,” McBride noted. “Physical play is vital when you face a team with fewer players.”