The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks in yet another close finish at the buzzer. They won 105-102 after a failed 3-pointer from the Knicks to tie it up for overtime. Dario Saric overcame foul trouble to lead the Sixers to the win. New Sixer Justin Anderson sparked the Sixers while Saric was on the bench with his troubles.
The Sixers didn't have the greatest start. They trailed by as much as 11 points in the first quarter and never led. They did tie three times, but ended the quarter down 6 points. Jahlil Okafor ended up with an injury during that quarter too. It ended up being a right rib contusion so nothing too bad, but there was an extended period where Saric was the center when Richaun Holmes was off the floor. And Saric did an excellent job defensively.
With close to three minutes left in the second quarter, the Sixers finally grabbed the lead and Okafor was able to return to the game. They didn't stop there. By the half, they were up by 10 points, 63-53. They shot 50 percent from the floor. They led in rebounds 24-16 and assists 13-8.
Early in the 3rd quarter, Saric ended up with his 4th foul. Anderson came in for him and provided quite a spark. He played awesome D on Anthony while making a couple of 3's. He got involved with a double technical foul with Anthony. It was really impressive. At this point, he was 6 for 6 from the field, with three made 3's. He had 15 points. Still, the Sixers gave up that 10 point lead and the Knicks got back on top 76-74. By the end of the 3rd quarter, the Knicks were up 81-79.
The 4th quarter was a ride. Man, the three games these two have played against each other…. Anyway, the entire quarter was close, with the largest lead being 5 points. Dario Saric completely took over for the Sixers, and it was quite honestly sensational. The rookie showed he certainly can play and belongs in this league. This, and he picked up his 5th foul during the quarter. But yeah, he scored 12 points in the quarter.
Let's break down the final minute of the game.
Scored tied at 100 with 1:15 remaining. Sixers ball. They turn the ball over. Derrick Rose comes down and is fouled on a layup attempted. It's 1:01 left on the clock as he goes to the free throw line and makes both. Sixers ball. Dario goes iso and ends up drawing a foul. He goes to the line with 48.2 seconds left. He makes only one. Sixers down 102-101. Knicks ball after a timeout.
Have mercy. Sixers need a stop.
They get a stop and get the ball back. Anderson makes a layup and the Sixers lead 103-102. 24.3 seconds left. Knicks ball after timeout. Knicks end up turning the ball over (though that's very questionable) and the Sixers get it back with 17.4 seconds left. But then the Sixers immediately gave the ball back on a turnover. 16.5 seconds left.
This is crazy.
Carmelo took a shot but missed! Saric gets the rebound and is fouled. 3.0 seconds left. He goes to the free throw line and makes both. Courtney Lee attempts but missed a game tying 3 as the buzzer sounds and the Sixers hang on to win 105-102.
Saric led the way in points scored with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Anderson came in with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Anthony didn't do well. Even though he had 18 points, he shot a poor 27.8 percent from the field. Lance Thomas led the Knicks with 21 points and 7 rebounds.
Just…….are you breathing yet? What a thrill. What a battle. All games this series….whew! Epic game. Just a great game. A lot of fun. If you can watch a replay of this, do it. If you saw it already, watch it again. Next game is Saturday against the Detroit Pistons.
