Game 3 between the Knicks and 76ers delivered the physical intensity expected from these rivals, especially given their recent playoff history. While the first two games had high-stakes moments, Friday’s matchup saw the pressure escalate significantly, with both teams frequently arguing calls with officials. Sixers star Joel Embiid was once again cast as the villain in this heated series.
After missing Game 2, Embiid returned to try to prevent a 0-3 series hole. In 35 minutes, he posted 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but it wasn’t enough as the Knicks won 108-94. Following the loss, Embiid faced questions about the game and whether the referees were letting fouls slide.
“I’m not sure. Maybe it was let go on our end,” Embiid said. “They shot 32 free throws, we had 16. We’re not a team that shoots a lot of threes. We attack, put the ball on the ground. So, yeah, I don’t know. I guess it’s good when New York wins, so we’ve just got to have that mentality of just not fouling, I guess, and being smart enough to not put ourselves in a position where they’re going to take advantage of it.”
Though the Knicks shot 32 free throws to Philadelphia’s 16, New York didn’t attempt a free throw until the second quarter. Mitchell Robinson made four at the line due to the “hack-a-Mitch” strategy employed by the Sixers.
Embiid wasn’t the only player frustrated with officiating. Karl-Anthony Towns, who committed five personal fouls, also expressed his displeasure. A key moment saw Embiid called for a foul under the basket when both big men fell to the ground boxing out. Philadelphia challenged and won, reversing the call, which gave Towns his third foul in the second quarter and sent him to the bench. When asked if the reversal surprised him, Towns replied simply, “I’m not surprised at anything anymore.”
In Game 1, the Sixers held a free-throw advantage of 34-17. Game 2, without Embiid, was more balanced, with Philadelphia leading 28-25 from the line. As the series shifts to Game 4 on Sunday in Philadelphia, the Knicks aim to close out the series while the Sixers fight to force Game 5.
