Instant observations: Sixers run out of gas in Game 2 loss to Knicks
May 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse reacts to a call against the New York Knicks during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Tyrese Maxey struggled to impact the game during a poor second half in Game 2, with the Sixers losing 108-102 in a hard-fought loss to the New York Knicks. Maxey led Philadelphia in points (26) and minutes played (46:48) but had nothing left to give by the time crunch time rolled around.
Here’s what I saw. Not enough from Tyrese Maxey With New York’s offense taking a bit to get rolling, it was Paul George who starred early for the Sixers on offense. After making a jumper over Anunoby’s outstretched arm from the left block on his first touch, George got going in a hurry, punishing Karl-Anthony Towns in down coverage with a pull-up three.
The veteran wing put on a shotmaking clinic to start this game, operating on the left side while shooting over both OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges on any given possession. (Unfortunately, he also completely melted down in the final minute, giving away the most important possession of the game with a poor passing decision before a ridiculous three-point attempt that effectively ended the game. ) He would cede control of the offense to Tyrese Maxey in the second quarter, and the first half of Tyrese Maxey’s second quarter on Wednesday night is easily my favorite stretch of his in these playoffs, even if we include his game-winning performance in the seventh game vs.
Boston. He had a level of ruthlessness that has been missing from his game at times in the postseason, pouring salt in New York’s open wound as they tried to navigate significant foul trouble for their available bigs. Thanks to some silly fouls from Karl-Anthony Towns and Ariel Hukporti, who went into halftime with seven combined violations, the Knicks were forced into small-ball lineups for a huge chunk of the second quarter.
The second that Towns checked out of the game with his third, Maxey’s eyes lit up, and he sped downhill to draw free throws at the rim with New York flailing at his arms all the way there. It was great recognition of floor balance and skill set, and Maxey kept on hammering the Knicks inside the arc as they struggled to deal with his speed and strength. Maxey flashed a desire to play out of the post at times during the regular season, occasionally drawing raised eyebrows as he attacked bigger players in that fashion instead of blowing by them.
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