The Philadelphia 76ers dropped Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks, falling 108-102 on Wednesday night and now trailing 2-0 heading to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.
Playing without center Joel Embiid on Wednesday, the 76ers relied heavily on Tyrese Maxey, who logged 47 minutes and finished with 26 points on 9-of-23 shooting.
Advertisement
Although Maxey carried much of the offensive workload, he did so early for the most part, scoring 15 points in the second quarter and 19 in the first half, but only seven after the break.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
After the game, Maxey discussed the reason behind his late-game drop in production, revealing that a second-quarter injury affected his play down the stretch.
“I kind of jammed my finger in the second quarter, so I didn’t feel confident dribbling around the traps like I normally do, or splitting them,” Maxey said. “I was trying to get off the ball and trying to create actions.”
Advertisement
Maxey committed six turnovers in the loss and scored just five points in the fourth quarter as the Knicks closed out a tight Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Maxey acknowledged that the injury impacted his confidence and decision-making against the Knicks.
“They can put two on the ball, I’m fine with that, but I got to get more comfortable making the read,” Maxey said. “I turned the ball over way, way, way too much tonight, especially out of the traps. I got to do a better job staying poised in those traps and make the right play on it.”
Advertisement
Despite the setback, Maxey will remain a primary option for Philadelphia as the series advances, even more so if the Sixers cannot count on Embiid in the upcoming games.
Game 3 is scheduled to take place on Friday in Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET, with the 76ers facing a two-game deficit.
Related: Mike Brown's Statement on OG Anunoby After Leaving Game 2 Against 76ers
Related: LeBron James' Mom Receives Honor Before Mother's Day
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the ΝΒΑ section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Δείτε νέα, κορυφαίες φάσεις και συνδεθείτε με φιλάθλους
