Struggling 76ers fall to Knicks 109-99 in Joel Embiid’s season debut

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — OG Anunoby scored 24 factors and the New York Knicks spoiled 76ers star Joel Embiid’s season debut, beating Philadelphia 109-99 on Tuesday night time within the opener of NBA Cup group play for each groups.

Embiid completed with 13 factors and 26 minutes and was unable to carry the struggling Sixers, who fell to 2-8. He shot 2 of 11 and had solely three rebounds. Paul George led the Sixers with 29 factors and 10 rebounds.

Josh Hart added 14 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Cities had 21 factors and 13 rebounds, whereas Jalen Brunson scored 18 factors.

Forward of the highly-anticipated sport, followers exterior the Wells Fargo Middle instructed Motion Information they have been able to have Embiid again on the court docket.

“It is about time. We’re glad he is again. Hope he seems the way in which he did final yr,” stated Jason Dilworth from Cape Might, New Jersey.

Motion Information requested individuals how they felt about Embiid’s current suspension, which stemmed from an altercation with a Philadelphia columnist.

READ MORE: 76ers’ Joel Embiid suspended for 3 video games after shoving Philadelphia reporter: NBA

The reporter had talked about the All-Star middle’s late brother and his son – each named Arthur – in columns questioning Embiid’s professionalism and energy, which sparked the confrontation.

“I do not agree with that suspension personally. I feel what he did was justified,” Dilworth defined.

“They talked about his household. He (Embiid) should not have executed it, it was improper. He deserved the punishment, however you sort of do not blame him for it. It was exterior of basketball,” added Marshall Parker from Bear, Delaware.

After a troublesome loss for the Sixers, followers stated they have been disillusioned however nonetheless optimistic for Embiid and the remainder of the season.

“(Embiid) did alright. That is what I feel. He nonetheless wants to return again. He is nonetheless a bit injured,” stated Vincent Carbino from Wilmington, Delaware.

“(Embiid) had a 3 right here and there, however simply not as aggressive. I do know he is injured, however the Sixers bloodline is aggressiveness,” added Alex Maglio from New Fortress, Delaware.

RELATED: Philadelphia 76ers fined $100K for statements about Joel Embiid’s well being

Left knee administration

By his personal admission, Embiid says he will not play back-to-back video games this season, which means he’ll sit out Wednesday in opposition to Cleveland. The subsequent set of back-to-backs are Dec. 3 at Charlotte and a Dec. 4 dwelling sport in opposition to Orlando.

The 76ers have been open for the reason that preseason on how they supposed to make use of Embiid this season – handle his minutes and video games performed to the purpose the place they’ll safely navigate him to the postseason wholesome for the primary time in his profession.

“Our medical is at the beginning,” Coach Nick Nurse stated on opening night time. “Joel is there, the entrance workplace, myself, everyone is weighing in. We’re simply attempting to do one thing a bit totally different and get him there (to the playoffs) this time.”

With this current loss, the 76ers face an uphill climb into playoff rivalry.

There have been 20 groups in NBA historical past to make the playoffs after beginning 1-6 or 0-7, although it has been extraordinarily uncommon in recent times. Within the final 27 years, solely three groups — the 2003-04 Miami Warmth (0-7), the 2004-05 Chicago Bulls (0-7) and the 2021-22 New Orleans Pelicans (1-6) had such a begin and went on to make the playoffs.

Takeaways

Knicks: New York’s ball motion and rebounding have been the distinction in final season’s first-round playoff collection win over the Sixers. This time, it was balanced scoring that carried the Knicks, who had six gamers in double figures.

76ers: Embiid was rusty in his first motion for the reason that gold medal sport of the Paris Olympics on Aug. 10. His shot was barely off and he appeared winded on protection.

Key second

New York began the fourth quarter on an 13-2 run that broke open a three-point sport. Anunoby had three dunks in the course of the run, typically taking useless intention at a emptiness attributable to Embiid, who was gradual to defend the rim.

Key stat

The Knicks recorded 31 assists on 44 area objectives and shot 49% from the ground.

Up subsequent

Knicks: Host Chicago on Wednesday night time.

76ers: Host undefeated Cleveland on Wednesday night time.

The Related Press contributed to this report.