Player grades: Short-handed 76ers battle, but fall to Knicks in Game 2

VJ Edgecombe: B-plus

The rookie was given the Brunson assignment and he handled it in a professional way. Edgecombe battled the New York star in this one as he used his athleticism and size to force Brunson into some really tough looks all night long. Offensively, it was a slow start, but Edgecombe made some big shots in the second half in this one and was able to give the Sixers some much-needed offensive production when the Knicks were threatening to take control of the game. It is so impressive that this young rookie has been able to find ways to contribute in big moments in playoff games, but with that being said, turnovers were an issue in this one.

Paul George: B-minus

The Sixers leaned heavily on George early in this one. He knocked down his first three triples as he caused the Knicks some problems with his shooting in this one to give Philadelphia some immediate offense and get the scoreboard moving. There were some very good defensive moments for him as well as he found ways to contribute in a number of areas. With that being said, his offense faded a bit following the fast start for Philadelphia.

Kelly Oubre Jr.: B

The Sixers needed somebody else who could step up and produce on the offensive end and Oubre gave a big spark early to this group. He did a terrific job of moving without the basketball and finding the open spots in New York’s defense. Oubre had an early dunk and then two corner 3s to give the Sixers some offensive production. He battled his behind off on the defensive end as well. He caused some problems for New York with his length and IQ on that end. Overall, Oubre was very good in a number of areas as he found ways to make his impact felt.

Andre Drummond: B-minus

Receiving the start in this one, Drummond picked up two quick fouls while defending Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and he had to sit down early. When he returned, he came up with a bucket off an offensive rebound and was able to give the Sixers some size. However, he had issues defensively all night as Towns was able to have success against him in the pick-and-roll game and by just sizing him up off the dribble. He was helpful on the glass all night.

Dominick Barlow: A

The Sixers turned to Barlow in the third quarter when Bona got into foul trouble and he gave the Sixers some good minutes. He was active on the defensive end, forced the Knicks into some tough misses, and was in the right spots on both ends to contribute. The Sixers were able to receive some production from him in this one as his stint in the third was terrific. He gave this group such a big lift inn the second half.

Adem Bona: B-minus

The initial stint for Bona was good. He was active on the defensive end as he protected the rim at a high rate with a couple of blocks early. He then forced the Knicks to think twice about attacking the basket with him as the back line of the defense for Philadelphia. Bona wasn’t terrible, but again, he committed too many fouls and it limited his effectiveness on the floor as well as his minutes.

Quentin Grimes: C-plus

With the Sixers needing some offensive punch from the bench unit, Grimes gave a spark in his initial stint by getting to the foul line and also knocking down a 3 on the wing off a catch-and-shoot opportunity. Overall, Grimes gave the Sixers a little bit of everything. He was tough defensively and made plays with his passing.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Short-handed 76ers battle, but fall to Knicks in Game 2