The Philadelphia 76ers lost to the New York Knicks 137-98 in Game 1 of the playoffs, showing signs of fatigue after their previous series. Key players included Paul George with 17 points and Joel Embiid with 14 points.
Here are the three biggest takeaways following the loss to the Knicks:
Defensive struggles
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 04: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Q&A
What were the key takeaways for the Sixers after their Game 1 loss?
The Sixers struggled defensively, showed fatigue, and had inconsistent scoring from their key players.
How did the Sixers perform against the Knicks in Game 1?
The Sixers lost 137-98, trailing by as many as 40 points during the game.
Who were the top scorers for the Sixers in Game 1 against the Knicks?
Paul George led with 17 points, followed by Joel Embiid with 14 points and Tyrese Maxey with 13 points.
What impact did the previous Game 7 win have on the Sixers' performance?
The Sixers appeared tired and out of sync in Game 1, likely due to the emotional toll of their Game 7 victory over the Celtics.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 04: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
It was too easy for the Knicks in this one. They lived in the paint, finished at the basket, and kicked it out to open shooters. When the Sixers did close out, the Knicks put the ball on the floor and dribbled into mid-range shots in order to find an offensive rhythm. Jalen Brunson, especially, was able to get into a groove as he took advantage of any crease he was able to find in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme. It didn’t matter who the Sixers threw onto Brunson, he was able to get things moving for New York.
Coach Nick Nruse stated:
Well, I thought we got off to a decent start defensively, and then we we had, I think, five or six mid pick-and-rolls in a row that they they scored on in pretty much every way they could. Came off, hit a 3, we didn't get through the screen, they got a lob, a couple floaters down the lane. I think they scored six straight times off that, and that kind of extended it a little bit, but, I mean, listen again, it's not very easy to evaluate any of that stuff. I just feel like we were full step slow tonight defensively. It just seemed like we were chasing everything. Didn't guard the ball well enough, didn't contest shooters well enough. I mean, they were, obviously, picking us apart. Just moving a lot better than we were.
Embiid can’t find a rhythm
May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
While the Knicks were firing on all cylinders, the Sixers struggled out of the starting blocks. Philadelphia tried to get Embiid going early in this one as it fed him the ball in his usual sweet spots, but the big fella was unable to find a groove. He was able to have success at the free-throw line as he drew fouls on the big men the Knicks threw on him, but other than that, he was unable to really find anything on the offensive end of the floor. It was also a tough night for him defensively as the Knicks found a groove.
"I think it was a pretty tough night for everybody," said Nurse. "I mean, it just again. I don't think we shot it particularly well, but I don't think we generated nearly as good as shots. I kept talking about the last series, the shot creation and generation was excellent, right? And it wasn't very good tonight. I thought we just have to figure out how to run some more offense to get some of the same looks we got in the last series. Obviously, it's a new series. We got to figure it out. We weren't—again, really hard to evaluate. I think that we just were kind of stuck in the mud at both ends, and they put it on us. They had a great shooting night. We didn't guard them well enough, and they put it on us."
Fatigue a factor?
May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It’s hard to really use fatigue as a factor in any situation, let alone the NBA Playoffs, but it has to at least be considered for the Sixers in this one. They played a competitive and emotional Game 7 in Boston on Saturday, had one day off, and then had to go face a Knicks team that has had some days off due to finishing off their Round 1 series in six games. One can excuse them for the poor performance to open this series, but this is their one mulligan. If it bleeds into Game 2 on Wednesday, then the Sixers will have a problem to face in this series.
"I won't use that as an excuse, but emotional roller coaster," said George. "You go from a Game 7 and one day off, and then you're right back into another matchup. I think there was some carryover of us trying to get up and get prepared for this next matchup, but, you know, we should have came out and did a better job. I won't use that as an excuse."