In an unexpectedly low-scoring affair in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers edged out the New York Knicks with a score of 79-73, marking the first NBA game since 2016 where both teams finish with under 80 points. The total of 152 points is the lowest for the past eight years in the league, emphasizing the impact of missing star players on both sides. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and the Knicks missed the services of Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.
Sixers beat Knicks 79-73
-Kelly Oubre Jr: 18 pts, 10 Rebs
-Buddy Hield: 16 pts, 7 Rebs
-Neither team shoots above 39% from the field or 30% on 3PA
-Sixers force 21 Knicks TO’sFirst with this season without Maxey and Embiid. Lowest scoring victory in a game this NBA season
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) March 11, 2024
The shooting stats underline the struggle both teams faced throughout the game. Philadelphia managed to convert only 31 of their 80 field goal attempts, including a 9/30 from the three-point line. New York’s shooting troubles were even more evident, with a 26/80 showing from the field and a dismal 9-for-40 from beyond the arc. Despite the overall poor shooting, Kelly Oubre Jr. still emerged as a bright spot for Philly, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. On the Knicks’ side, Jalen Brunson was the top performer with 19 points, but it proved insuficient to secure the win against the Sixers.
The game’s low score comes to show the lack of defensive effort of the teams and the absence of key players, as in the modern day NBA these numbers are often achieved until the half-time break. As the season moves forward, both the 76ers and the Knicks are looking forward to having their key players return, aiming to improve their standings before the playoffs. New York currently sits in 4th position in the Eastern Conference with a 37-27 balance, while the 76ers are down to 6th spot on 36 wins and 28 losses.