HomeNBAJoel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey: 'I think he can...

Joel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey: 'I think he can be in stuff like MVP conversations'


Michael Scotto: Joel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey: “You’ve got a young superstar coming in and face of the franchise for his whole career in Philly.” “He has a chance to do something special next year again. I hope he becomes All-NBA this year. I think he can be in stuff like MVP conversations.” pic.twitter.com/UqnWjxUV0p
Source: Twitter @MikeAScotto

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Joel Embiid’s series-win guarantee falls flat: ‘sucks to lose’ #76ers #nba #knicks nypost.com/2024/05/03/spo… via @nypostsports – 3:13 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Last game story of the season for me.
Joel Embiid left it all on the floor, and even got a lot of help from his bench.
But, for ostensibly the last time, $39 million in salary gave the Sixers nothing.
@973ESPN:
973espn.com/joel-embiid-re…2:30 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Joel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey: “You’ve got a young superstar coming in and face of the franchise for his whole career in Philly.”
“He has a chance to do something special next year again. I hope he becomes All-NBA this year. I think he can be in stuff like MVP conversations.” pic.twitter.com/UqnWjxUV0p1:26 AM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Joel Embiid says he could’ve taken more time to heal his knee, but felt like he didn’t want to give up an opportunity to go on a playoff run with Tyrese Maxey and didn’t want to let his teammates down. – 12:57 AM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Column: Joel Embiid guaranteed the 76ers would beat the Knicks because they were the “better team.” He was dead wrong. @washingtonpost @PostSports
washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/05…12:41 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
OG taking off from the dotted to dunk on Embiid and eliminate the Sixers in Philly?!?!
Knicks fans gonna talk about this one for a while pic.twitter.com/m2sOuxcYeP12:19 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
This year was only the second time in Joel Embiid’s career that he played in all of the postseason games.
And you saw the condition he was in.
The only other time was the 2020 bubble when the 76ers got swept and Ben Simmons missed the entire series. – 12:12 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Nick Nurse, asked if he has a good sense of how the Sixers need to approach team-building around Joel Embiid to get where they want to go, has one word:
“Absolutely,” with a nod. – 12:09 AM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Donte Divincenzo playing all 48 while basically guarding Maxey the whole time AND scoring 23 is ridiculous – 12:04 AM
Lang Whitaker @langwhitaker
I’ve always been kinda whatever on Embiid but watching him gut it out throughout this series was hella impressive. – 12:01 AM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
The second round of the #NBAPlayoffs2024 are going to begin with Lebron, Durant, Embiid, Giannis and Curry all at home watching – 12:00 AM
Jay King @ByJayKing
I know Embiid played through an injury. He clearly wasn’t right physically. But he has never been able to compete at a high enough level in the fourth quarter of playoff games. Needs to find a way to avoid gassing out. It happened to him most of the series, often after he… – 11:58 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Feel how you wanna feel about Embiid but his effort this series was nothing short of heroic coming back from knee surgery a week before the regular season ended and looking like he was on one leg most of the time.
Big reason this series was what it was. – 11:57 PM
Nick Wright @getnickwright
Embiid finished the series averaging 33-11-6 despite clearly not being near 100%.
I thought he was fantastic, even though it’s another postseason for him without a deep run. – 11:55 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Jalen Brunson averaging 41.8 points over the last four games of a series to eliminate Joel Embiid and the Sixers is not something any NBA fan could’ve saw coming two years ago.
Brunson’s ascension is such an incredible story. – 11:51 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Free-throw attempts in the playoffs:
Heat – 60
Pelicans – 64
Thunder – 70
Joel Embiid – 78
Nuggets – 79 – 11:47 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
The Sixers’ season is over. Joel Embiid saved a big effort for their final game, but it was not enough.
One last recap @PHLY_Sports. As always, thanks to everyone riding with me throughout the season. Interesting offseason ahead!
allphly.com/sixers-knicks-…11:45 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
WHAT A BATTLE! Respect the hell out of Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey. Couple of tough dudes with bright futures! – 11:45 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
41 and 12 on 27 shots is a super performance by Brunson by the hero of tonight for New York was The Big Ragu Donte Divincenzo. 23 and 7 with an OUTSTANDING defensive job all game long on Tyrese Maxey – 11:44 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Embiid in the 4th quarter this playoffs:
23.1 FG%
11.1 3P% pic.twitter.com/4qqzBOlXax11:44 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Final: Knicks 118, 76ers 115.
Knicks win the series 4-2. They will play the Pacers next.
• Brunson 41-3-12
• DiVincenzo 23-4-7, 48 mins
• Anunoby 19 & 9
• Hart 16-14-7
• Hartenstein 14 & 9
• Embiid 39 & 13
Game 1 is on Monday. – 11:43 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final: Knicks win 118-115, take the series 4-2.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 41/12 for New York. Joel Embiid had 39/13 for the Sixers.
Sixers starters outside of Embiid shot just 13-36 for 34 points, including just 6-18 from Maxey and zero points in 29 minutes from Harris. – 11:43 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Maxey this season:
— 25.9 PPG
— 6.2 APG
— 1st in 50-point games (tied)
— All-Star
— Most Improved Player
Career-highs in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, BPG and 3PM. statmuse.com/nba/player/tyr…11:42 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Embiid this season:
34.7 PPG
11.0 RPG
5.6 APG
52/39/88%
The first player to average over one point per minute since Wilt Chamberlain. pic.twitter.com/ncHiZyjL4J11:42 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Joel Embiid playoff win percentage:
.533 — With Ben Simmons
.448 — Without Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/GzjjqzD7Ws11:42 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Sixers lose, 118-115. Sixers lose in 6 games.
Joel Embiid fouled out with 39 points and 13 rebounds, left it all on the court.
Tobias Harris, in ostensibly his last game as a Sixer, scored 0 points on 0-for-2 shooting in 29 minutes of play. – 11:41 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Up 3 with 11 seconds to play, Miles McBride immediately fouled Tyrese Maxey. Maxey obviously hit game-tying 3 to send Game 5 to OT. NYK talked about a lack of communication before the Game 5 shot. All of the players were talking before Donte Divincenzo’s free throws just now. – 11:39 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
OG was pretty clearly told to concede the 2 there if Embiid attacked. – 11:39 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
They are going to tackle Maxey – 11:39 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
The Knicks conceded a quick 2 for Joel Embiid,
But then the Sixers couldn’t commit a quick foul, and Embiid had to eventually foul DiVincenzo. It is Embiid’s 6th. His night is done, finishing with 39 points and 13 rebounds.
Knicks lead 116-113 with 11 left. – 11:38 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Embiid tonight:
39 points
13 rebounds
5 turnovers
6 fouls
Leading the playoffs in turnovers. pic.twitter.com/NqXReJnMsu11:37 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Joel Embiid has fouled out.
He went out on his shield tonight. Gave them absolutely everything he had. – 11:37 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid has fouled out. 39 points and 13 rebounds. #Sixers11:37 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid just fouled out with 11.1 seconds to go. – 11:37 PM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
Maxey just hurling his body toward the basket like 2006 Wade. – 11:32 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey, who has struggled all game and gotten a bad whistle, gets an And-1 call on the goaltending. Philly has tied this game at 111 with 34.9 seconds left. Incredible basketball right now. #Sixers11:32 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Tyrese Maxey should have a chance to tie the game with a free throw with 34.9 seconds to go, pending this goaltending review – which, I believe, will be good.
My god is this series nuts. – 11:30 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Ruled a goaltend and a foul on that Tyrese Maxey layup attempt. He’ll go to the line with a chance to tie the game at 111 with 34.9 seconds left. – 11:30 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
i am still trying to figure out how tyrese maxey hit this pic.twitter.com/tRt4gHCZIE11:30 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
WOW they just gave Maxey continuation + the foul. Maxey at the line to tie the game. – 11:30 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
That was a no no no no yes layup from Maxey – 11:27 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Jesus, Tobias Harris standing there flat-footed, counting on Embiid doing everything. – 11:26 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Embiid out of gas – 11:19 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Couple Missed 3’s by Maxey and Oubre, couple one-sided calls, Harris lackadaisical to a loose ball… and the Sixers chance to go up 13 or so turns into a tie game in a blink. – 11:12 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
IH has to do his work early and least try to fight to not let Embiid catch the damn ball. Mitchell just did it perfectly when he was in the game – 11:11 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Is this the best hook shot game of Joel Embiid’s career? That is the one shot he usually struggles with. – 11:08 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
One of best playoff performances of Joel Embiid’s career, and that even includes the 50 spot he put up in this building a few days ago. Has been in complete control, and countered every defense New York has thrown his way. 35/12 on 11-22 shooting with a ton of hockey assists. – 11:08 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Sixers went -4 in the non-Embiid minutes in the fourth.
The Knicks went -4 in the non-Brunson minutes in the fourth.
Tie ball game, 6:38 to go, for all the marbles.
Given how the first five-plus games have gone, how could anyone be surprised? – 11:08 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Philly settling for a lot of threes with Embiid on the bench. First two possessions with him back are three point attempts. Good thing for Philly that Hield shot one of them – 11:06 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Imagine Tyrese Maxey on the Lakers 👀 (Not happening but what a thought) Kid is a stud. Also, Josh Hart is definitely on the list of players I miss watching in Purple and Gold. Guy is all heart and hustle! – 11:05 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Knicks getting vital scoring surges from guys other than Brunson tonight. Divincenzo in the first half and Anonouby in the 2nd half. And Robinson has been super in defending Embiid – 11:04 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Sixers got back in this gsme by winning the non-Embiid minutes in late 1st quarter. History not repeating here. – 11:04 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Non-Embiid minutes lather, rinse, repeat. – 11:03 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
Nick Nurse is trippen! Ain’t no way in hell I’m taking Embiid out the game especially to start the 4th. – 11:02 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Maxey is hurting them tonight. Brutal defensive breakdowns to go with the poor offensive showing. – 11:02 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Knicks open the quarter 9-5 with Joel Embiid on the bench to take a 92-88 lead. Timeout Nick Nurse. 8:54 left and one has to assume that big fella will be back after this timeout.
Of note, Tobias Harris is scoreless and has taken one shot. Need to get him involved. #Sixers11:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nick Nurse calls timeout with Philly down 92-88 after an OG Anunoby drive and bucket with 8:54 to go.
Assuming Joel Embiid will be back in here for the duration. – 11:01 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
These non-Embiid minutes are killing the Sixers. pic.twitter.com/KedRf4PfBC11:01 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Maxey has not been good on his own but the whistle he has gotten tonight is straight up criminal – 11:01 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Joel Embiid is on the bench to begin the fourth quarter.
Brunson is on. – 10:56 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Paul Reed is coming in to start the fourth. Reed played really well in the first half. We’ll see how Philly does with Joel Embiid (33 and 12) on the bench.
Jalen Brunson is in for the Knicks. – 10:56 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Reed in to open the fourth.
Reed-OubreBatum-Hield-Maxey – 10:56 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Now we’re at the trouble spot again.
Do you sit Embiid and risk it? Playing him the whole half has backfired each of the last two games. – 10:56 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Paul Reed and Buddy Hield will start the 4th quarter. Joel Embiid on the bench. This will be a critical stretch. #Sixers10:56 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Looks like Joel Embiid will be on the bench to start the 4th. Paul Reed is coming in. – 10:55 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tie game at 83 after 3 quarters. Joel Embiid has 33 and 12, Buddy Hield has 17, and Nic Batum has 13. This 4th quarter should be very entertaining. #Sixers10:55 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
The Sixers wouldn’t be here without Tyrese Maxey, but he’s been brutal tonight. – 10:54 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Have been some crazy five-point swings in this game. The Maxey play there, w OG capitalizing. And then OG’s missed dunk earlier, and Philly getting a 3 afterwards – 10:54 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers 83, Knicks 83 heading to the fourth. As the Basketball Gods intended. Embiid with 33 and 12. Brunson with 27 and 9. All Knicks starters in double figures, while the Sixers have a 35-0 edge in bench points.
Worth noting: Haven’t seen Hield in the second half.
Buckle up. – 10:54 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
In fitting fashion, through three quarters, the Knicks and 76ers are tied at 83.
• Brunson 27-3-9
• DiVincenzo 17-3-4
• Hartenstein 14 & 8
• Hart 13-7-6
• Embiid 33 & 12 – 10:53 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Surprised Knicks didn’t go to Mitchell Robinson earlier if they planned to single cover Embiid . – 10:53 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The contrast in whistles between Maxey and Brunson is, uh, fascinating. – 10:52 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Robinson just got very physical in the post with Embiid and Embiid was called for a foul as they battled for position — first hard play on him I’ve seen (and he’s drawn 6 fouls on Knicks centers) – 10:50 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Mitchell Robinson fronting Joel Embiid and really battling. Got the foul on Embiid there doing it. – 10:49 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The Knicks are still hanging around. OG Anunoby hits a jumper to bring New York to within 77-74 with 2:51 to go in the 3rd. Joel Embiid has been dominant in this 3rd Q. He has 16 points in the quarter and is doing everything he can. #Sixers10:46 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Game is more than likely going to be decided by whatever amount of time Embiid sits in this half. Time is a flat circle etc. – 10:45 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Knicks have been letting Embiid go to work against single coverage for most of the 3rd, and it’s led to some pretty predictable results: Embiid just went to the line for 2 free-throws, his 15th and 16th points of the quarter. He’s up to 33 on the night, and the Sixers lead by 7. – 10:43 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Knicks cannot handle Embiid right now. Not doubling on him and he’s carving them up one on one. Already up to 33 points on 19 shots. – 10:42 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
What Embiid just did to IH was tomato chest at it’s Finest – 10:41 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Embiid is really feeling it. He gave Hartenstein the Too Small after scoring him in the post. Embiid is doing a great job of getting down the floor quickly and establishing position. Tough to stop him when he gets to where he wants to be and Knicks can’t do it right now. – 10:40 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Let’s see how costly those two Tyrese Maxey missed 3-pointers were. Both were rushed and not very good looks, and rather than Philly building on a 10-point lead, this game is back down to a 5-point margin again. – 10:40 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Sixers have 3 starters who have combined for:
2 points
1-for-8 shooting
4.5:1 Ast-to-TOV ratio
The only reasons this is a game:
1) Joel Embiid
2) 30-0 bench point advantage – 10:34 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Just tuned in to NY-Philly and heard Grant Hill say Embiid doesn’t have his normal lift. Hill must’ve just tuned in moments B4 me. – 10:34 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Superman performance by Embiid. Need Maxey asap. – 10:33 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid’s added 10 points to his total in the first 4 minutes of the 3rd, hitting a pair of 3s, a midrange jumper and 2 free-throws. He’s up to 27/11 in 23 minutes and the Sixers lead 66-61 with 8:16 left in the 3rd. – 10:33 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid looks as good as he has since coming back from knee surgery.
He just sprinted the floor, sealed Isaiah Hartenstein and hit a short jumper.
Embiid now up to 27 and 11 on 8-17 shooting, and Philly leads 66-61. – 10:32 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Embiid is leading with that elbow and nailing dudes on the drive. Curious if the refs hit him with an offensive foul – 10:31 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
In g5, DDV was leaving Maxey on these looks with OG picking Maxey up. Now OG is the doubler. Leaves NY outnumbered if Joel can hit this pass and the corner 3’s drop. pic.twitter.com/gTuQJOiMwC10:22 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Thibs defensive adjustment from g5-g6 first half, not doubling off Maxey and replacing his defender with the weak side wing defender. Now the doubles on Joel are coming straight from the weak wing, Maxey never left open. – 10:17 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Halftime. Sixers lead the Knicks 54-51.
• Brunson 16-2-3
• DiVincenzo 12-3-3
• Hartenstein 10 & 6
• Embiid 17 & 8
• Hield 17 pts, 5-7 3Ps
Knicks once led 33-11. – 10:09 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Halftime: Sixers 54, Knicks 51
An unbelievable series continues with a wild opening 24 minutes. The Knicks led by 22, only for the Sixers to close the half with a 43-18 run to take the lead.
Joel Embiid and Buddy Hield have 17 for Philly.
Jalen Brunson 16 for NYK. – 10:09 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
54-51 Sixers lead heading into the. They outscored New York 32-13 in the 2nd.
Embiid has 17/8 on 5-10 shooting, and has been orchestrating the Sixers’ offense from the post. He’s handled the double teams very well.
Biggest beneficiary of that has been Buddy Hield (17 on 5-7). – 10:09 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
HALFTIME: Sixers 54, Knicks 51. This series continues to be absolute insanity. Embiid with 17 and eight, but Buddy Hield’s 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting has been the story of the night. – 10:09 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid certainly owed Maxey after Game 5 — he has put him in the backpack this half.
What a turnaround for the Sixers. Buddy Hield coming out of cold storage for a monster game – 10:07 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Another great swing-swing off of New York doubling Embiid in the post leads to another corner 3 for Buddy Hield. He’s up to 12 points on 4-6 shooting (all 3s) in 9 minutes off the bench. – 10:04 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Did not have Batum and Hield going a combined 6-of-10 from the floor for 19 points and Maxey and Harris going a combined 1-of-7 for two points, but here we are. – 10:02 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Embiid should not have come out. Ride the momentum! – 10:02 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
22 point lead was cut all the way to 2 — but Hartenstein and Brunson with buckets as Embiid goes to the bench with a 2nd foul. – 10:02 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Absolutely cannot believe Nurse took Embiid out there – 10:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Huge call there by Scott Foster, who gives Joel Embiid a second foul on a play where he scored.
Embiid checks out, Jalen Brunson immediately scores, and now it’s a 6-point game instead of a 2-point game in a matter of seconds. – 10:01 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Hook shot by Embiid after a deep seal. He’s up to 13/5 on 4-7 shooting.
New York’s lead, once as high as 22, is now down to 5 with 6:32 left in the second. Timeout Knicks. – 9:54 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Hook shot by Embiid after a deep seal. He’s up to 13/5 on 4-7 shooting.
New York’s lead, once as high as 19, is now down to 5 with 6:32 left in the second. Timeout Knicks. – 9:53 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
This would be a good time for Tyrese Maxey to enter the chat – 9:52 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Buddy Hield has started to get it going with a couple of 3s, one off of a kickout when the Knicks doubled Embiid, and New York’s lead is down to 9 with 8 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. – 9:50 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Cam Payne, Buddy Hield, Kelly Oubre Jr, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid on the floor to start the 2nd quarter. – 9:41 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Bit of a run by the Sixers to end the quarter, especially since it’s a rare W with Joel Embiid out of the game, and the Sixers have cut into New York’s lead ever-so-slightly and trail 36-22 after 1. Knicks are shooting 5-10 from 3 and have 9 offensive rebounds. – 9:39 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Knicks lead 36-22 after one quarter. Brunson with 10 points and 3 assists. Embiid leads the Sixers with 9 points. Batum with 8 off the bench. The Sixers are shooting 7-21. – 9:38 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Well, at least they won the non-Embiid minutes! – 9:38 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Knicks 26, Sixers 22 at the end of the first. Sixers are just 7-of-21 from the floor and have five turnovers. Knicks have the 16-10 rebounding edge and, more importantly, 13 second-chance points. Embiid with nine points. Batum with 8 and 2 off the bench. – 9:38 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through one quarter, the Knicks lead the 76ers 36-22.
• Brunson 10 pts, 3 asts
• DiVincenzo 9 pts, 2 asts
• Anunoby 7 & 4
• Hart 6-3-3
• Embiid 9 & 2
• Batum 8 pts
Knicks have 9 offensive rebounds. – 9:38 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Sixers, of course, were +5 in the non-Embiid minutes in the first quarter.
The problem is no one besides Embiid did anything in the first set of Embiid minutes, so they were at -19 before he checked out.
First time that has happened all series. – 9:37 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Joel Embiid returns from the locker room and goes back to the 76ers bench. He had come out of the game earlier than usual in the 1st quarter. – 9:32 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
These are still super important minutes for the Knicks. They’re up big but they have their starters going against a Sixers unit without Embiid. They need to win these minutes by a lot – 9:31 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid checks out after scoring 9 points in eight minutes, and with Philly down 28-9, only for Tyrese Maxey to immediately Philly’s first non Embiid points of the game on the first possession. – 9:29 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
First non-Embiid bucket comes from Maxey, nearly eight minutes into the game. – 9:29 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid has all nine of the Sixers’ points on 3-4 shooting. The rest of the squad is shooting 0-7. #NotAGoodStartFlow. Nick Nurse calls another timeout with his team down, 28-9, with 4:01 left in the first quarter. – 9:28 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Eight minutes in, and the #Knicks have 28. Embiid has nine. The rest of the #Sixers have zero. #76ers #NBA9:27 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
NYK is throwing everything they have to take Maxey out of the offense, Embiid is the only Sixers play to score and now the Knicks are crashing the offensive glass. 28-9 Knicks lead early. Nightmare start for the Sixers. – 9:26 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Oh my, OG was thinking about crowning Embiid there if there had been a contest. – 9:26 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The Knicks have opened up a 28-9 lead here in the 1st. Joel Embiid is 3/4 from the floor for 9 points. The rest of his team is scoreless on 0/7 shooting. Knicks have 10 points from Jalen Brunson and 9 from Donte DiVincenzo. #Sixers9:26 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
It’s eight minutes into the game and Joel Embiid is still the only 76ers player who has scored. – 9:25 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Knicks started the game with a 14-4 run.
They followed it up with a 14-5 run.
It’s now 28-9 eight minutes in, and Sixers besides Joel Embiid have scored 0 points, and gone 0-for-7 from the field. – 9:25 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
We are eight minutes into the game and Embiid is the only Sixers player to score – 9:25 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Maxey has yet to score and is shooting 0-3. – 9:24 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
That could have been a flagrant 1 on Embiid – which would have been his 3rd this postseason – resulting in a suspension – 9:24 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
One positive for the Sixers: Hartenstein already has two fouls, and Robinson just picked up his first. Embiid has already gotten to the FT line three times. – 9:23 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The score right now is Knicks: 21 Joel Embiid: 9 #Sixers9:23 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid is trying to keep Sixers in this one — he has all 9 of their points here early on — but the Sixers find themselves in a 20-9 deficit early.
Nick Nurse is bringing in Nico Batum and Cam Payne in place of Lowry and Oubre Jr, who NYK was helping far off to clog lane. – 9:21 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Maybe that and-1 that bounced in for Embiid will energize the Sixers. Though, Embiid is the only player with a bucket nearly five minutes into this game. – 9:18 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Common foul on Maxey – 9:15 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Donte DiVincenzo had been 3 for 17 in past three games of this series on 3-pointers. He hits his first two in first quarter tonight and is defending Tyrese Maxey well to start the game. Knicks lead by 10 four minutes into the game. – 9:15 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
6/8 from the field for the Knicks to open it up. Nobody has made a shot except for Embiid on the other end.
Have to weather the early storm here – 9:11 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Embiid’s knee seems about as bad as it’s been all series – 9:10 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Donte DiVincenzo has drained two 3s already and is guarding Tyrese Maxey to start. – 9:10 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Knicks starting out with Donte on Maxey. Haven’t used him on Donte all series. – 9:08 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks with a wall of defenders for Maxey’s first possession. – 9:07 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
A small “F Embiid” chant from #Knicks fans here is followed and drowned out by loud “F the Knicks” chants from the home crowd. #76ers #NBA9:05 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
As you would expect – Mitchell Robinson is in tonight…and Embiid is starting for Philly. – 8:37 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
We spent months discussing the pecking order in the East, and Giannis and Embiid could both end up getting bounced in the first round tonight – 8:35 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers starters:
Oubre Jr.
Harris
Embiid
Lowry
Maxey – 8:33 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Sixers starting lineup for Game 6 against the Knicks, same as always: Maxey, Lowry, Oubre Jr, Harris and Embiid. – 8:31 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Same starters for Sixers in Game 6 vs. the Knicks:
Lowry-Maxey-Oubre-Harris-Embiid – 8:31 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Sixers starters:
Maxey (much to the chagrin of Tracy Morgan and Jon Stewart)
Lowry
Oubre
Harris
Embiid – 8:31 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Game 4 was the first time in his career that Joel Embiid played an entire 2nd half. Game 5 was just 2nd time he played 48 minutes. If he plays 40+ minutes tonight it’ll be first time he’s played 4 straight games of 40+ minutes — he’d never played 3 straight before this series. – 6:30 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
King of the fourth: Tyrese Maxey upgraded his NBA status with clutch playoff performance inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 6:07 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
The NBA is officiating Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Brunson so differently it’s weird. Do something Rich Paul!
Analysis:
libertyballers.com/2024/5/2/24146…5:35 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Give Em To Me! I want your Game 6 predictions for the #Sixers vs. #Knicks #NBAPlayoffs  first-rounder. I want the winner, final score, points for Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson and who will be the X-factor. #BrotherlyLove      #NewYorkForever #ForTheLoveOfPhilly pic.twitter.com/gD0C6x8bv21:46 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey work after shootaround this morning #Sixers pic.twitter.com/g3XRtGfoFZ11:41 AM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Nick Nurse has a midnight rule. Tyrese Maxey calls it debriefing.
Usually, moving on is most tied to recovering after crushing defeats (a la, Game 2 for the Sixers). But what about when a team just captured an unfathomable win — but still needs two more?
inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-…11:03 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
“The Knicks were better playing (Joel) Embiid single-up; they got 2 late steals that way. But when they helped on Embiid earlier in the 4th, bad things happened & open shots were created.”
More strong NYK-PHI analysis from Brendan Brown ahead of Game 6: sny.tv/articles/rebou…10:42 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Knicks vs. 76ers: The pros and cons of double-teaming Joel Embiid as New York tries again to finish off Philly
(By @outsidethenba)
cbssports.com/nba/news/knick…10:23 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
NBA picks, best bets for Thursday’s playoff games: Joel Embiid fizzles out in Game 6, plus top prop for Pacers vs. Bucks cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-p…9:48 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
No matter what happens tonight, Philadelphia is going to force a “Maxey’s team or Embiid’s team” debate this summer. Philadelphia can’t turn down a QB controversy. Business models depend on it.
The reality is, Maxey needs Embiid and Embiid needs Maxey.
allphly.com/tyrese-maxey-s… pic.twitter.com/pTAqFq3XMt9:28 AM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Is there any solution to the Knicks’ Tyrese Maxey problem? nypost.com/2024/05/02/spo… via @nypostsports – 8:21 AM

More on this storyline

ClutchPoints: “I can’t feel sorry for myself. As long as I can play, jump even a little bit and I can be on the floor, I feel like my presence is enough.” Joel Embiid after battling a meniscus injury and diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy in the midst of the 1st Round 🗣️ (via @BySamDiGiovanni) pic.twitter.com/iPj117Rsui -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / May 3, 2024
Tim Bontemps: Final: Knicks 118, Sixers 115 Buddy Hield’s buzzer heave misses, and New York survives a series that’ll go down as one of the most iconic you’ll ever see. New York will face Indiana in the East semis beginning Monday. Jalen Brunson had 41 and 12. Joel Embiid had 39 and 13. -via Twitter @TimBontemps / May 2, 2024
According to the NBA’s player tracking data, here are Maxey’s shooting numbers against primary defenders for the series: vs. Hart: 44 points, 17 of 28 field goals vs. McBride: 34 points, 14 of 27 field goals vs. Robinson: 26 points, 9 of 14 field goals vs Anunoby: 13 points, 5 of 13 field goals vs. Hartenstein: 15 points, 6 of 14 field goals The Maxey-Embiid two-man game has been the bugaboo for the Knicks, who’ve been selling out to stop Embiid while watching Maxey flourish. “Every single possession they’re doubling me in the post, which is fine,” Embiid said. “We’re just going to keep making the right plays, you know, trust my guys to knock down those shots. And they’re in the gaps more, they’re really trying to pressure me so that’s where I try to use myself as a decoy. …Tyrese is going to come and make a wide-open layup or shoot it or be able to drive.” -via New York Post / May 2, 2024
Thus far, Tom Thibodeau hasn’t arrived at an effective solution to slow down Maxey. Part of that is by design — the Knicks are doubling or showing help against Embiid whenever he touches the ball in the post, often leaving Maxey — and the other part is the Sixers’ point guard is just blowing up the defense. It’s the issue of New York’s numbers disadvantage in the series. The Knicks only have one All-Star (Jalen Brunson). The Sixers have two. “We did some different things [against Maxey],” Brunson said. “But good players always know when to adjust, so he kept adjusting.” -via New York Post / May 2, 2024