The New York Knicks blew a golden opportunity last night.
Up six with three minutes remaining on the clock, the Knicks had a chance to close out the Philadelphia 76ers and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
76ers' point guard Tyrese Maxey scored seven points in 17 seconds, including connecting on a 34-foot shot to tie the game in regulation and send it into overtime.
Maxey scored a playoff career high 46 points throughout the game and displayed some chaotic late-game heroics that helped force Game 6 in Philadelphia. This ended the game in heartbreaking fashion for the Knicks, a team that has been weathering chaos all season long.
"I mean, I ... I'm a happy guy, but I absolutely hate losing," Tyrese Maxey said.
"Especially when it's certain times - like, I missed three free throws, crucial free throws, and then I turned the ball over late. You know, people don't see me upset, but I was really upset, and I just wanted to go out there and make up for it for my teammates, man."
"I feel like I played pretty well the whole game, and for us to lose a game like that-to end the season like that-I would have been crushed," Maxey added.
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New York Knicks Tom Thibodeau
Several costly turnovers and fouls in the fourth quarter and overtime periods made all the difference for the New York Knicks.
Mitchell Robinson's foul on Tyrese Maxey played a huge role in swinging the game late. As did Josh Hart's split on free throws that could've potentially closed things out, and a costly turnover from Jalen Brunson with one minute left led to the Knicks' downfall in Game 5 against the 76ers.
"Just a tough way to lose a ball game," Thibadeau told reporters via SNY. "We had a lead. We have to play tougher with that lead. We found ourselves in a situation we didn't want to foul in. In the end, Maxey made a big shot. We have to do better," he added.
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Joel Embiid and 76ers Striking in the Moment
Joel Embiid didn't look like his usual dominant self throughout Game 5.
Despite having put up a triple-double and four blocks, Embiid only scored 19 points on 7-19 shooting in a close out game.
He had 10 costly turnovers and failed to find any rhythm when guarded by Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Joel Embiid has to perform better in Game 6 and in a potential Game 7 if the 76ers wish to steal the series.
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Game Six in Philly
The New York Knicks will have to put this one behind them quickly as they head to Philadelphia to potentially close out the Sixers yet again.
Despite 40 points from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks ended up throwing the game late with several mistakes and now have to win it on the road.
The Knicks have managed to win a game in Philadelphia this series so far. However, stealing Game 6 will be more difficult as the 76ers will be looking to force it to seven with their home crowd backing them.
Whichever team may pull out a win in Game 6, all we know as this game is set to excite.
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