Hart Triple Double Paces Knicks
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
The New York Knicks played through injuries and withstood the comeback by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half of their game to win 125-119 in overtime in Philadelphia Wednesday night.
Jalen Brunson, who had sustained a shoulder injury Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, had a game high 38 points and led New York in scoring in the third and fourth quarters and in overtime. He and his former Villanova Wildcats teammates, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, stood out in their return to Philadelphia.
“Beautiful to be here, seeing the banners and everything,” said Bridges. “We played here a lot during my senior year, so I love the court.”
Hart had a triple double with 10 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists and Bridges added 23 points.
“What can you say about Josh?,” said head coach Tom Thibodeau. “He willed that game at the end. The hustle plays, they saved the game for us.”
The Knicks started the game strong and led at halftime, but the 76ers made a comeback and tied the score at 85 by the end of the third quarter. Philadelphia kept their intensity and teams went to overtime tied at 109.
The Knicks defended and scored in overtime. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points in the game. He scored two points in overtime. Philadelphia was without their other leading scorer Joel Embiid, who averages about 24.4 points per game.
The Knicks were also without one of their leading scorer Karl-Anthony Towns, who averages about 25.4 points per game. 6′ 10″ Jericho Sims stepped in for Towns in his absence adding eight points.
“I know they’re playing with soreness, they’re playing with minor injuries, and that’s what I love about them, all of them,” said Thibodeau. “From KAT to Jalen to OG to Mikal to Josh, they come in every day and put a lot into it. I’ve got great respect for them.”
OG Anunoby contributed 17 points in the game.
The Knicks returned to Madison Square Garden Friday to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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