Sixers discuss need for bench unit in Round 2 series vs. Knicks

TL;DR

The Philadelphia 76ers are struggling with bench production in their playoff series against the New York Knicks, receiving no points from their bench until late in Game 3. Starters are logging heavy minutes, highlighting the need for improved contributions from the second unit.

Key points

Sixers starters are performing well but logging heavy minutes
Bench unit scored no points until late in Game 3
Knicks bench outscored Sixers bench significantly

Philadelphia 76ersNew York Knicks

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers have one of the better starting units in the league as Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Joel Embiid form one formidable unit, but when those guys go to the bench, the second unit has had issues getting much going in terms of offense.

In Friday's Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks, the Sixers did not receive a point from their bench unit until the 11:00 mark of the fourth quarter when Quentin Grimes drilled a 3-pointer. Meanwhile, the Knicks received 29 bench points on the night, including 15 from former Sixer Landry Shamet.

Maxey played 44 minutes, Edgecombe played 40, George played 38, Oubre and Embiid played 35 each. Obviously, it's the playoffs. This is the time of year where starters have their minutes extended, but either way, Philadelphia must find a way to get some bench production in an effort to take some responsibility off the starters.

"I mean, yeah, we do need a little push," George said of the bench unit. "We need a little push. The starting group, on any given night, we're in the 40s or close to it. So, we definitely need a push. Someone come in and give us that extra little hump. That's what it's gonna take."

Obviously, stars are going to lead the way for any team in the playoffs, but the real difference in a 7-game series are the other guys. The role players and the guys off the bench who step in and produce. The Knicks are getting that so far in this series while Philadelphia hasn't. Things can still change in Game 4 on Sunday, and if they can, it will be a huge help to this group.

Q&A

What issues is the Sixers bench facing in the playoffs?

The Sixers bench has struggled to produce offensively, failing to score until the fourth quarter of Game 3 against the Knicks.

How many points did the Knicks bench score in Game 3 against the Sixers?

The Knicks bench scored 29 points in Game 3, with 15 points coming from Landry Shamet.

What did Paul George say about the Sixers' bench unit?

Paul George acknowledged the need for the bench to provide more support, stating they require a 'little push' to help alleviate the pressure on the starters.