How did experience factor into Mammothâs first playoff run?
How Experience Shaped Utah Mammoth's First Playoff Run
The Philadelphia 76ers were swept by the New York Knicks in Game 4, losing 144-114. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 24 points, but the team struggled to perform under pressure.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers walked into the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday afternoon looking to keep their season alive. Staring elimination in the face and the possibility of getting swept at home, the Sixers needed a strong effort to keep their season alive.
The effort wasn't there. In an arena that felt like 80-20 Knicks fans, the Sixers were unable to get much of anything going. The Knicks drilled a ridiculous 11 3-pointers in the first quarter, built a 20-point lead in the opening frame, and they cruised to a 144-114 Game 4 win to sweep the Sixers and send them to the offseason. New York received 25 points from Miles McBride and 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds from Jalen Brunson.
The Sixers were led by Joel Embiid with 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists, Tyrese Maxey had 17points and four assists, and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 10 and four rebounds. Paul George had seven points, VJ Edgecombe had eight points, seven assists, and six rebounds, and Quentin Grimes added six.
Here are the player grades following the loss:
The final score was 144-114 in favor of the New York Knicks.
Joel Embiid scored 24 points, followed by Tyrese Maxey with 17 points.
The Knicks made 11 three-pointers in the first quarter.
The loss means the Sixers have been eliminated from the playoffs and will head into the offseason.
How Experience Shaped Utah Mammoth's First Playoff Run
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Maxey had some success when he was able to get into the paint and get to the basket, but once New York shut that off, he wasnât able to find success with his 3-point shot as that part of his game left him in this series. He tried to get teammates involved, but the Sixers couldnât buy a look in this one. Maxey also had his issues defensively as the Knicks got free on a number of open 3-pointers. He struggled with his overall offense and it was just a tough day for him. If anybody on this team needs a break outside of Embiid, itâs Maxey. He did it all for this franchise on an every night basis all season.
The rookie did an excellent job of getting into the paint, but struggled with finishing at the basket as he was unable to convert on his open looks in the paint. He was also a part of the defensive issues involving New York getting so many open 3s. He, at least, was able to help on the glass and make plays for his teammates. He played with effort, but he had a long day today in terms of his scoring.
After going scoreless in the first quarter, George finally got a couple of buckets to drop in the second quarter to find ways to contribute. With that being said, he had trouble defensivelyâas did everybody on the floorâand he was a part of the problems as New York went on an onslaught from 3-point range. With that being said, the Sixers needed an aggressive and productive George in this one. He had a tough day in terms of finding his shot as well as scoring. Philadelphia needed much more from him in this one with the season on the line.
One has to give Oubre credit. He had some success in the paint on his drives and was helpful on the glass. He even fought hard on the defensive end as he contested a lot of shots and moved his feet on that end of the floor. Wasnât the best day for him overall, but the Sixers received effort from Oubre all night in this one.
The big fella got off to a good offensive start as he knocked down two triples and had a bucket in the paint as the Knicks built a gigantic lead in the opening quarter. His offensive effort was valiant, but it wasnât enough to keep up with the red hot Knicks in the opening minutes. He continued to play hard and be an offensive engine for the Sixers in this one, but it just wasnât enough. Embiid was not able to throw this team on his back the way he normally can as New York went on its run. He deserves credit for, once again, toughing it out, and being out there for this group. He played well in this one. Much better than anybody would have expected.
The veteran big man hopped off the bench and grabbed some big rebounds for Philadelphia, and had an offensive putback, but he also missed a bunny, and committed an offensive basket interference penalty. He gave a good effort and was able to make some positive plays, but it wasnât his best performance.
The initial stint for Grimes was one heâd like to forget. He committed a foul and couldnât find a way to contribute in a positive manner. He had a strong drive to the basket, but he threw up a wild shot and wasnât able to convert on it. He did knock down two 3s in his return off the bench so that was helpful. Overall, it was a tough end to the season for him.
The Sixers turned to Barlow and he gave them some good defensive minutes, but not much else. He deserves credit for playing with a ton of energy, but he couldnât muster up much in terms of numbers.
The initial stint for Edwards was a tough one. He committed a foul on a 3-point shooter and wasnât helpful on the defensive end. He did get to the line, though, and converted on two looks.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Joel Embiid, Sixers swept by Knicks with Game 4 loss