Sixers Bell Ringer: McCain, George Shine as Sixers Drop Embiid’s Season Debut to Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers Fall to New York Knicks, 112-108

The Philadelphia 76ers fell to the New York Knicks 112-108 on Wednesday night in Joel Embiid’s season debut. Embiid, who missed the first two games of the season with a foot injury, finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes.

McCain, George Lead the Way for the Sixers

Despite Embiid’s return, it was Shake Milton and Paul Reed who led the way for the Sixers. Milton scored a team-high 29 points, while Reed added 25 points and 12 rebounds. Georges Niang also chipped in with 15 points off the bench.

The Sixers were without James Harden, who is still recovering from a foot injury. Tyrese Maxey also missed the game due to a non-COVID illness.

The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson, who scored 25 points. RJ Barrett added 22 points, and Julius Randle finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The Sixers led by as many as 10 points in the first half, but the Knicks rallied to take a 60-58 lead at halftime. The Knicks extended their lead to 13 points in the third quarter, but the Sixers came back to tie the game at 88-88 heading into the fourth quarter.

The game was tied with less than two minutes remaining, but the Knicks hit a pair of free throws to take a 110-108 lead. The Sixers had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer, but Milton’s shot came up short.

The loss drops the Sixers to 1-2 on the season. They will next play the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.