76ers Fall Short Against Knicks in Game 2

The 76ers put up a commendable fight in Game 2 against the Knicks, yet a less-than-ideal shot in the waning seconds left them with a missed opportunity to tie the conference semifinal series.

With just 30 seconds on the clock and the Knicks leading by five, Paul George received a dribble handoff from V.J. Edgecomb and took a tough, off-balance three-pointer that, unfortunately, ended up as an air ball.

This misstep played a crucial role in their 108-102 loss at Madison Square Garden, a moment that Quentin Grimes certainly didn’t overlook. The shot became a talking point, acquiring some viral attention.

After the shot, Grimes confronted George about the choice of shot when the 76ers still had 18 seconds left on the shot clock to potentially create a better opportunity. George, a nine-time All-Star, apparently had his reasons for his decision.

Grimes walked away clearly disappointed, reflecting on what could have been.

However, it wasn’t solely George’s shot that sealed Philadelphia’s fate.

The team collectively struggled in the fourth quarter, managing to score just 12 points compared to the Knicks’ 19. Their shooting percentage plummeted to 21.1% in that final quarter.

In contrast, they had scored at least 28 points in each prior quarter.

“I felt like I might have run out of gas a little bit by the fourth,” George noted post-game. “We could have made some easier plays, but I think we just ran out of steam in the end.”

By the end of the night, the 36-year-old finished with 19 points but struggled with his shot, going 5-of-13. He contributed six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks too.

Grimes, who was previously with the Knicks, came off the bench to add seven points along with three rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Now, the series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday, where the 76ers will be looking to secure their first win.

“I like where we are at the moment. I thought our defense was solid until the fourth quarter,” George remarked. “We just didn’t connect on some shots, but there are definitely positives from tonight’s performance.”