By: Kylan Watson

After beating the New York Knicks in overtime on Tuesday night. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks faced off again in game six in Philly. Both teams traded blows throughout this game. However, the Knicks were able to get a 14 point fourth quarter performance from Jalen Brunson to beat the Sixers 118-115 to end this series.

The Sixers started this game off sluggishly, they could not throw a brick in the Schuylkill River. Meanwhile the Knicks found their offensive rhythm early on and dropped 36 points on Philly. Jalen Brunson (41 points) and Donte DiVincenzo (23 points) combined for 64 of New York’s 118 points.  Both of them dominated this game early on especially DiVincenzo who hit three three-pointers after only hitting one in the previous contest. Their combined effort got them out to a 22-point lead and that ultimately was the undoing of the Sixers.

Give the Sixers all the credit in the world, having every reason to give up being down 22 points. They fought back into this contest thanks to Joel Embiid (39 points) and Buddy Hield (20 points). They combined  for 59 points and left it out there for all the world to see. Especially, Embiid who was responsible for the Sixers first nine points he willed his team back in the game. He dominating his matchup throughout this game and made the right plays. Embiid did everything he could to keep his team in this game, he did not get enough help tonight to push this series to a game seven.

Buddy Hield was one of the few players who helped him out tonight. He came off the bench and found the scoring prowess that made Philly trade for him in February. His shooting got the Sixers back into the game. He hit six/nine three-pointers to erase a 22 point Knicks lead. By half-time they retook the lead, but not executing did them in tonight.

Jalen Brunson took over in the fourth quarter and scored 14 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter. His execution and ability to find an open teammate tonight when the Sixers double teamed him. Won the Knicks this contest, he found Josh Hart at the top of the key. Hart hit the game clinching three-pointer. That was the difference in this game the Knicks hit the shots and the Sixers did not. The Knicks are heading to the second-round to face the Indiana Pacers and the Sixers have to re-tool their roster.

Now Philly enters the offseason with 60-plus million dollars in cap space. They have an explosive superstar duo to build around. They need to find a consistent third scorer who can pick-up the scoring for both Maxey and Embiid. If they can find that weapon whether its Paul George, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, or another player that they can trade for. That will go a long way to helping them build a finals contender. That is what Daryl Morey, Elton Brand, and Josh Harris have to find. Players who can shoot the ball, guard the perimeter, and a back-up big man who can allow Embiid to rest. If they can build a roster like that the Sixers have a great chance to win a championship especially with all that money.