In a must-win Game 3 for the 76ers on Thursday, Joel Embiid had one of the most efficient playoff performances in NBA history, scoring 50 points on just 19 field goal attempts.
After the Sixers lost the first two games in the first round against the Knicks, his big performance helped the Sixers advance.
This was mostly due to getting to the foul line, making 21 free throws, but also knocking down five of seven 3-point attempts.
Embiid finished the game with more free throw attempts (21) than the entire Knicks team (19), a statistic that didn't sit well with New York fans.
Unfortunately, his incredible performance was partially overshadowed by a flagrant foul on Mitchell Robinson.
Embiid was called a Flagrant-1 foul, but many believe he should have been ejected because it was a non-basketball play and was dangerous.
Either way, these two teams despise each other, and the level of physicality is likely to increase as the first round series continues.
Will Embiid be able to deliver another hyper-efficient offensive performance at home on Sunday, or will the Knicks be able to make the right adjustments and extend their series lead to 3-1?
After securing an 11-point victory in Game 3, the Sixers are a five-point favorite for Game 4 in Philadelphia.
To confidently defeat the Knicks, they needed Embiid's best performance ever and incredible team shooting splits of 55/48/85, including 33 free throw attempts.
The fact that such an effort was necessary is a matter of great concern for the Sixers going forward.
Additionally, Jalen Brunson finally broke out of a two-game shooting slump with an incredible 39 points, opening up the slot once again for the Knicks' other shooters and secondary scorers.
Another concern for the 76ers was that they gave up 54 points in the paint. Those are impressive numbers against a team without three-time All-Star power forward Julius Randle or an offensive-minded big man.
Philadelphia's defense also looked odd and disorganized at times in the half court, giving up straight drives to the rim, open dunks and layups. The Sixers' transition defense wasn't all that great.
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The Knicks are the slowest team this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tom Thibodeau does.
Recognizing their advantage in transition (17.7 fast break points over the last three games), they leaned into an even faster style of play. This will be especially important if Embiid is in the game.
This series has become very volatile, which is an advantage for the Knicks, who have played that way all season.
This game could swing in the Knicks' favor if Embiid and Philly don't get the calls they got in Game 3, or if they don't shoot as well as a team.
Philadelphia still has a chance to snatch a win if Tyrese Maxey and Embiid continue to play at this level, but the Knicks should be able to keep this win close.
Let's beat the Knicks and take the points.
