New York dominated Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, but expect a much stronger Philadelphia response in Game 2.<\/p>\n
The Knicks crushed the 76ers in the series opener, but the context around Philadelphia\u2019s performance is important.<\/p>\n
The Sixers entered Game 1 fresh off a gruelling seven-game series win over Boston, with their starters logging massive minutes across the final stretch of that series.<\/p>\n
Nick Nurse waved the white flag early in the blowout and managed minutes accordingly. Expect Philadelphia to bounce back with far greater intensity here.<\/p>\n
Karl-Anthony Towns\u2019 role has completely evolved during this Knicks playoff run.<\/p>\n
Across the postseason, Towns is averaging 10.6 rebounds and six assists per game, already clearing this line comfortably.<\/p>\n
But the bigger story is the tactical adjustment New York has made since trailing Atlanta 2-1 earlier in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
The Knicks have increasingly used Towns as a facilitator at the top of the floor in a five-out system, running plenty of pindown and flow action through him. Since Game 4 of that series, Towns has averaged 18.3 rebounds plus assists, with a monstrous 23.6 per-36 figure.<\/p>\n
Anunoby has been outstanding this postseason and continues to thrive alongside the Knicks\u2019 spacing-heavy offense.<\/p>\n
OG is averaging 21 points per game in the playoffs, hitting 15+ points in six of his seven postseason appearances.<\/p>\n
His outside shooting has been elite too, knocking down triples at just under 60%.<\/p>\n
He scored 18 points in only 30 minutes during Game 1 and should push closer to 36 minutes in what projects as a far tighter contest.<\/p>\n
Maxey\u2019s quiet Game 1 doesn\u2019t concern me.<\/p>\n
The fatigue factor after the Boston series was obvious, and Philadelphia simply never looked competitive once the game got away from them.<\/p>\n
Despite the poor opener, Maxey is still averaging 25.1 points per game this postseason and has cleared 20+ points in seven of eight playoff games.<\/p>\n
The lone miss came in Game 1 where he scored 13 points in just 26 minutes. Expect that playing time to jump significantly in Game 2.<\/p>\n