"Key Insights from the Thrilling Game 4 between the Knicks and Sixers"

 

The New York Knicks boast an impressive 22-3 record when both Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby grace the court together. In Game 4 of their first-round showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers, both players showcased their prowess in the Knicks' exhilarating 97-92 triumph.

Brunson made history by notching a staggering 47 points, setting a new Knicks playoff record, surpassing Bernard King's 46-point performances in 1984. His impeccable performance also included 10 assists with just one turnover. Meanwhile, Anunoby contributed 16 points, 14 rebounds, and three crucial blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess against Joel Embiid.

Here's a breakdown of the game as the Knicks seized a commanding 3-1 series lead:

1. Targeting Embiid:

   According to Second Spectrum tracking, the Knicks employed 52 ball screens for Brunson, with 35 of them set by the player guarded by Embiid. Thus, while Brunson and Embiid didn't directly face off, the game revolved around their battle on the Knicks' offensive end.

   

   Initially, Embiid adopted drop coverage to protect the rim, enabling Brunson to capitalize on open jump shots. However, at times, Brunson caught Embiid off guard with quick moves, forcing him to defend higher on the court.

   

   Despite Embiid's efforts, Brunson outshone him, particularly with a remarkable fading runner as the shot clock expired. Embiid's struggles to contain Brunson were evident, as he failed to prevent a crucial layup late in the game.

   

   Moving forward, the Sixers must devise strategies to limit Brunson's impact, as relying solely on Embiid's defensive efforts won't suffice. It's imperative for the Sixers to better navigate screens and provide adequate support to counter Brunson's offensive threats.

2. Knicks Maintain Rebounding Dominance:

Despite their New York counterparts shooting just 5-for-19 from beyond the arc in Sunday's game, they've still managed an impressive 41% from long range throughout the series (40-for-98). 

Deploying defensive help on the ball often leaves teams vulnerable on the boards, and the Knicks capitalized on this weakness, particularly with offensive rebounds:

- In Game 1, the Knicks secured 23 offensive boards leading to 26 second-chance points.

- Game 2 saw a slight dip with 12 offensive rebounds and 12 second-chance points, but an offensive rebound by Isaiah Hartenstein set up Donte DiVincenzo's game-winning 3-pointer.

- In Game 4, the Knicks converted 15 offensive rebounds into 21 second-chance points, amplifying their dominance on the glass, especially in the crucial fourth quarter, where they amassed 11 of those second-chance points, accounting for more than half of their total points in the period.

When shooting percentages are below par, rebounding becomes paramount, as evidenced by the Knicks' victory, underscoring the significance of their prowess on the boards.

3. Defending Embiid Requires Team Effort:

Despite the absence of Mitchell Robinson and foul trouble for Isaiah Hartenstein, the task of guarding Joel Embiid fell to the collective effort of the Knicks. Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the necessity of team defense against the formidable Embiid.

The Sixers encountered mixed success against double-teams, with instances of quick shots and ball-stopping. However, they also managed to generate good looks, as exemplified by Tyrese Maxey's assist to Kelly Oubre Jr.

4. Knicks' Late Clock Defense:

Following Oubre's dunk with 5:04 remaining, the Sixers struggled to find scoring opportunities, with their last field goal coming at that juncture. The Knicks tightened their defense, disrupting the Sixers' offensive rhythm and forcing them into late-clock situations.

New York's defensive rotations were commendable, preventing easy scoring opportunities for the Sixers. They effectively contained Maxey's penetration and contested shots, exemplified by Precious Achiuwa's crucial block on Embiid.

5. Knicks' Defensive Tenacity:

Despite extended playing time for key players like Anunoby, Hart, and Brunson, the Knicks maintained their defensive intensity. Their collective effort limited the Sixers to a mere 92 points on 91 possessions, showcasing their defensive prowess and setting the stage for a potential series-clinching Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.