Sixers-Knicks takeaways: Kelly Oubre Jr. bounces back, Knicks fans take over
The 76ers had a late-arriving crowd full of New York Knicks fans. Kelly Oubre Jr. had a solid bounce-back game, but the Sixers' perimeter defense was their Achilles’ heel. Those three things stood out in the Sixers’ 125-119 overtime loss to the Knicks Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
The 76ers had a late-arriving crowd full of New York Knicks fans. Kelly Oubre Jr. had a solid bounce-back game, but the Sixers' perimeter defense was their Achilles’ heel. Those three things stood out in the Sixers’ 125-119 overtime loss to the Knicks Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
Late arrivers
The crowd inside the Wells Fargo Center was reminiscent of the sparse crowds during The Process era seven minutes before tipoff. But by the end of the first quarter, there was a nice-sized crowd in the arena.
Late arrivers
The crowd inside the Wells Fargo Center was reminiscent of the sparse crowds during The Process era seven minutes before tipoff. But by the end of the first quarter, there was a nice-sized crowd in the arena.
But as expected for a game against the Knicks, a large portion of New York fans cheered on their hometown team. At times, Wednesday night's game sounded like it was at Madison Square Garden whenever the Knicks made a great play.
But as expected for a game against the Knicks, a large portion of New York fans cheered on their hometown team. At times, Wednesday night's game sounded like it was at Madison Square Garden whenever the Knicks made a great play.
Oubre’s bounce-back game
Oubre erased memories of Tuesday’s poor shooting performance. He finished with 16 points, making 7-of-11 shots along with 10 rebounds and two steals against the Knicks.
Oubre’s bounce-back game
Oubre erased memories of Tuesday’s poor shooting performance. He finished with 16 points, making 7-of-11 shots along with 10 rebounds and two steals against the Knicks.
This came one night after Oubre had eight points on 2-for-10 shooting, while missing all four of his three-pointers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On Wednesday, Oubre did a solid job of moving without the ball and cutting to the basket.
This came one night after Oubre had eight points on 2-for-10 shooting, while missing all four of his three-pointers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On Wednesday, Oubre did a solid job of moving without the ball and cutting to the basket.
Perimeter defense
The Sixers have struggled defending the three-point line, and this game was no different. The Knicks made 10-of-19 three-pointers (52.6%) in the first half en route to making 16-for-37 (43.2%) for the game.
Perimeter defense
The Sixers have struggled defending the three-point line, and this game was no different. The Knicks made 10-of-19 three-pointers (52.6%) in the first half en route to making 16-for-37 (43.2%) for the game.
The Sixers often appeared to be late closing on New York's three-point shooters. This is something they must improve upon if they expect to remain competitive for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers often appeared to be late closing on New York's three-point shooters. This is something they must improve upon if they expect to remain competitive for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.