In Game 6 between the Sixers and the Knicks on Thursday, there was no single defining play towards the end that represented the game's story.
Instead, banners became significant.
Shortly after 11:32 p.m. when the Knicks beat the Sixers 118-115, the prevailing theme was apparent.
Jalen Brunson, the top scorer in the series with 41 points, acknowledged the Villanova NCAA championship banners from 1985, 2016 and 2018. His Knicks teammates Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo were part of the 2016 and 2018 teams, respectively. Brunson draws inspiration from these banners when he enters Wells Fargo Center.
“It’s a special place to play,” Brunson said. “This place meant a lot to us … I believe that no matter who we play against, we will stick to our style of basketball and grind. We found ways to win and also found ways to lose.”
Hart scored 16 points, including a crucial 3-pointer, and secured 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Knicks. DiVincenzo contributed 23 points and seven assists, making five 3-pointers. Brunson provided 12 assists and scored 12 of 16 free throws en route to his 41 points.
“Many of our players lack playoff experience,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “So, this experience is invaluable.”
The Sixers suffered from fatigue as they fell behind by 19 points in the first quarter and by as much as 22 points in the first half. This was astonishing given that just two days earlier, Tyrese Maxey played 52 minutes, Tobias Harris 40, and Joel Embiid 48. When Embiid left for the locker room with four minutes left in the period, it seemed like the Sixers might be finished.
But Buddy Hield scored 17 points in the second quarter, hitting 5 of 7 3-pointers. It was a career highlight for Hield, who had been benched in the previous two games due to match-up preferences. The Sixers led by four points at half-time, with their bench outscoring the Knicks' bench by an impressive 30-0.
The second half saw a different performance as Embiid scored 39 points and Kelly Oubre added 17. However, Tyrese Maxey struggled to find his rhythm, largely due to DiVincenzo's defense, and managed only 17 points on 18 field goal attempts.
“I was focused on that match-up from the start,” DiVincenzo mentioned. “That got me going. When you’re playing with unselfish guys, you’re going to get open looks. The special thing about this group is that no matter the adversity we've faced all year, everyone said we were too small. But when you outwork them and stick together.
“We have a great bond. We care for each other like brothers.”
Ultimately, the Sixers struggled at crucial moments, with Embiid fouling out with 11 seconds left. And the Knicks made their free throws.
The Sixers lost their 17th consecutive series after trailing 3-2.
Without a doubt, the connection to Villanova and the victorious banners hanging in the arena played a significant role.
“It’s simpler when you have two men that you’ve played with,” Brunson mentioned regarding Hart and DiVincenzo. “So, you understand when things get intense it’s coming from a good place. And then that transfers to everyone.”
