By: Kylan Watson

After falling to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the New York Knicks for the first time this season. Both teams traded blows throughout this contest and thanks to a second half scoring explosion from VJ Edgecombe, the Sixers beat the Knicks 116-107 for their 15^th win of the season.

The Sixers were able to get Tyrese Maxey back from illness in this game and the offense flowed nicely through him throughout this game. He scored 30 points in this contest and New York really did not have any answers for him throughout this contest. When he has his game working Philly is one of the more dominant and faster teams in the association. His continued improvement as a playmaker will help the Sixers continue to be a dangerous team. He had nine assists in this contest and if he can continue to average at least seven-nine assists per game that will add another dimension to Philly’s impressive offensive scheme.

Despite the offensive explosion from Maxey, the Knicks continued to fight back throughout this game. They were able to retake the lead in the fourth quarter thanks to Jalen Brunson (22 points), Karl Anthony-Towns (22 points), Mitchell Robinson (21 points,), and Mikal Bridges (21 points) combined for 86 of the Knicks 107 points. Robinson was the x-factor in this game for New York he dominated the paint and kept the Knicks from getting blown off their home floor. He took full advantage of Joel Embiid missing this game because of illness. The Sixers had no answers for what he was doing in this contest and just could not keep him off the boards, but Philly did enough to limit his effectiveness late in this game and were able to stay ahead of New York and win this game.

When the Sixers needed it most their rookie VJ Edgecombe stepped up and scored 23 points in this contest. His aggressiveness and hustle helped the Sixers get a statement victory over one of the best teams in the league. Edgecombe made New York’s defenders look like they were standing still as he got to the rim at will and his three-point shot continues to be a difference maker for Philly. He made 3/6 of his three-point attempts and his hustle created a dagger corner three-pointer for Tyrese Maxey that sealed the game for the Sixers. Edgecombe has shown that he can truly be a difference maker on a stacked roster. Also, he may be the face of the franchise sooner than a lot of people if he continues to play like this.

Philly will now prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks tomorrow night and could have Joel Embiid available for this game. This will be a battle between top newcomers as Cooper Flagg will battle VJ Edgecombe and that should create multiple highlight reel plays. The Sixers will have to The Sixers will have to limit their turnovers, stay connected to their defensive matchups, and cash in on the high-percentage shooting opportunities created off their ball movement. Implementing these things into their game plan tomorrow night will put them in great position to win their 16^th game of the season.