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00:00Нью-Йорк City and the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.
00:04The Knicks on the heels of winning the Emirates NBA Cup title in Las Vegas.
00:09They return home with their 13-1 this season.
00:12Tonight they meet Tyrese Maxey, the third leading scorer in the NBA,
00:16and the 76ers, who have not played since Sunday.
00:21It's the first of four meetings between these two teams,
00:24Atlantic Division rivals going head-to-head,
00:27and we've got it for you right here on Prime.
00:32The 76ers and the New York Knicks.
00:38The standings in the Eastern Conference, New York has closed the gap.
00:43Detroit currently number one, the Knicks number two.
00:47Philadelphia, despite all the injuries, they check in at fifth in the conference.
00:53And we welcome you courtside.
00:54Hi, everybody. I am Eagle along with the coach, Stan Van Gundy.
00:57Cassidy Hubbard with us as well.
00:59It was a tremendous run to win the NBA Cup championship.
01:04Now the Knicks are back home.
01:05They had a game in between, from Vegas to Indiana,
01:08and they continue to find ways to win.
01:11They came up big in the clutch once again.
01:13Well, they came up big in the clutch because they have last year's Clutch Player of the Year.
01:18And Jalen Brunson coming off the Cup MVP.
01:22He hits the game winner here with just under five seconds to go.
01:28And then OG Ananobi seals it on the defensive end with the steal.
01:33And the Knicks continue to roll, counting the Cup final.
01:36They've won seven in a row.
01:37And this Knicks squad, they're getting the leadership from Brunson.
01:41But what you're also seeing is a whole lot of camaraderie.
01:44Well, look, they've gotten contributions from a lot of people.
01:48We saw it in the Cup final.
01:49Their bench was outstanding.
01:50So the Knicks take on Philadelphia tonight.
01:54The 76ers have actually had some time to practice.
01:57They haven't played since Sunday.
01:58They have exceeded expectations, and they've been doing it as a banged-up team.
02:03Joel Embiid will not play tonight.
02:05He is under the weather.
02:06Tyrese Maxey missed the last two games with the flu.
02:10And moments ago, our own Cassidy Hubbard spoke with the highest scoring guard.
02:16Thanks, Ian.
02:17And Tyrese, it's been 12 days since you've seen game action, as I understand.
02:22You battled a bad case of the flu.
02:24First and foremost, how are you feeling?
02:25I feel great.
02:26I feel way, way, way, way, way better.
02:29Way better.
02:29But, yeah, I'm ready to go.
02:31Okay.
02:31And on the other side, you're taking on a Knicks team that this week alone won the Cup
02:35and is on the second leg of a back-to-back.
02:37So what are you hoping to establish early against them?
02:39Just our physicality.
02:40I want to play extremely hard, play the right way, play fast, and have fun, man.
02:44It's a couple guys, first time playing in the Garden.
02:46I think Jared and Vijay as well.
02:48So, you know, just I want them to go out there and be comfortable and have a good time while
02:51playing.
02:52Thanks for your time and good luck today.
02:53Thank you.
02:54Well, Maxey has to be in the MVP discussion, Ian.
02:59No question about that.
03:01This guy has carried this team to a 14-11 record without a lot of their stars being able to
03:08play.
03:09But they are 5-1 when Maxey and Paul George play together without Embiid.
03:15Paul George looking like himself.
03:18And Andre Drummond having what Nick Nurse has called a bounce-back season, a two-time
03:24all-star, and the active career leader in offensive rebounding in the NBA.
03:30Udonis Haslam, what have you seen from my guy, Andre Drummond, this year?
03:34Well, Coach, the first thing I've seen with Andre Drummond, he's had about five years on his
03:39career the way he's been playing with these guys.
03:40But he's second in the whole entire NBA in rebounding percentage, behind only Mitchell
03:45Robinson.
03:45So, I'm looking forward to this matchup.
03:47He's the guy where you put him in situations, he doesn't know if he's going to start or come
03:50off the bench.
03:51But he leads them in defensive rebounding percentage at 70, offensive rebounding percentage
03:55at 30, and he leads them in double-doubles.
03:57He's literally starting his role, whatever role he has to be, starter coming off the bench.
04:01So, in my opinion, Andre Drummond has done a great job of stepping in and starting his
04:05role with Embiid being out.
04:06Yeah, Andre Drummond, of course, starring in his role.
04:08Vijay Edgecombe, though, just been a star.
04:11What do you like about his game, Steve?
04:12Exciting backcourt for the Sixers.
04:14Obviously, Maxie, it's his team.
04:15But Vijay Edgecombe, his athleticism, his shooting, scoring ability, you add McCain to
04:19that, the future looks bright in that backcourt.
04:21All right, we are getting close to tip-off at the Garden, where right now they are showing
04:26a video commemorating the Knicks NBA Cup Championship.
04:29What they are not doing, though, is raising a banner.
04:32But don't worry, here on NBA on Prime, we got you.
04:35Let's reveal that banner, guys.
04:37Mike Brown, one-and-one.
04:38Hey!
04:39Oh, look at that beauty.
04:42Bravo!
04:43Looks pretty good.
04:44We will always remember the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup champions.
04:49That was there.
04:50I was there when they raised the banner.
04:51Yeah, I thought I was going to say NBA on Prime for our first cup, but it's fine.
04:55You know what?
04:55You're right.
04:56We'll do that, too.
04:56You know what?
04:57We like to raise banners.
04:58We'll raise a second one.
04:59It'll be just for us.
05:00So where do we fall on this debate?
05:02We know Mike Brown talked about a banner a little bit, and some of the players did.
05:06Where do we stand?
05:06I'll start with you, Steve.
05:07I think BG makes a great point.
05:09I think the Cup's going to mean so much more year on year.
05:11In 10, 15 years, it's going to mean a lot.
05:13So whatever it is, banner, display, whatever you want to do, be proud.
05:17You just won a trophy.
05:18Everyone played for it.
05:19You're the last team standing, so celebrate.
05:21Yeah, I don't think we have to pretend this is the Larry O'Brien trophy and, like, this is the championship, but it is something.
05:27Like, the Cup's not going anywhere, and we saw it.
05:29The Cup was awesome this year.
05:31Amazing.
05:31And like Steve said, it's going to be a thing.
05:34So while I respect their decision, I would like to see a banner go up, you know?
05:39I'm never going to miss an opportunity to be petty and let you know.
05:42I'm never going to miss an opportunity to be in tune with my star player, be petty, and let you know.
05:47Why not hang the banner?
05:49I like it.
05:50I mean, it could go up there with, you know, some Billy Joel, some fish.
05:53They've got some banners up there.
05:55There's precedence.
05:55Lakers, Bucks, they have banners, right?
05:57Yeah, they all have the banners.
05:59And listen, like I said, we have it here.
06:00We can always commemorate the Knicks on that.
06:03I mean, it was truly an amazing run for them in Vegas, even though they do not have the banner there.
06:09We talked about it a bit, but UD, what do you want them to always remember about winning that?
06:13You were the best team at that particular time in the NBA.
06:17You were the best team.
06:18Regardless of – people can argue, oh, I'm better.
06:20No, you were the better.
06:21Nobody can argue at that particular time.
06:24You take that, you ride that wave, and you use that momentum for the finish out the rest of the season.
06:27You know, I loved what I saw from Kat.
06:29Like, a lot has been made about, he hasn't shot the ball as well.
06:32He hasn't – you know what?
06:33He's made some winning basketball plays.
06:35And he's just gone in.
06:36He's maybe 16-11 instead of 26-13, but they're winning.
06:40So what more can you ask for?
06:42And I think it looks like, at least from the outside in, it looks like he's accepted that.
06:46Yeah, I agree.
06:47They're happy for those Knicks fans.
06:48It's been a long time coming.
06:50And they're one of the most passionate fan bases in sports.
06:53So, you Knicks fans, congratulations.
06:54Congrats, Ben Stiller.
06:55And I think OG should get in the All-Star game, Ben.
06:57That came from me.
06:58Oh, wow.
06:58That came from me, Ben.
07:00OG should get in the All-Star game.
07:01Thanks for watching NBA on Prime pregame, presented by CarMax.
07:05A live look at Madison Square Garden.
07:11Sixers and Knicks getting ready on this Friday night in New York.
07:14Tip-off just a few minutes away with I.M. Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, and Cassidy Hubbard right after this.
07:24You're watching a special presentation of the NBA on Prime.
07:28We'll see you next time.
07:58Welcome to NBA on Prime, presented by Wingstop.
08:09It's Friday night hoops from Madison Square Garden, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the New York Knicks.
08:22Division rivals, first of four meetings.
08:25Let's check out the starting lineups.
08:26First for Philadelphia, Maxie, Edgecombe, George, Barlow, and Drummond.
08:31No Joe LMB tonight.
08:34He is under the weather.
08:36The New York Knicks.
08:37The NBA Cup champions.
08:42This team has won 10 of its last 11, including six in a row.
08:48And they're back to full strength in their starting five.
08:50Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Ananobi, and Carl Anthony Towns.
08:55Mike Brown, no doubt he acknowledges that it could take a toll on his team, but they have plowed through whatever they might be feeling in terms of tiredness and fatigue, and they just keep on winning, Stan.
09:13Yeah, they do.
09:14They've been fantastic over this last month.
09:17Gotten better at both ends of the floor.
09:20And they've had some key guys out with McBride and Shamit, but the emergence of Tyler Kolek has really helped them with the bench.
09:28And Philadelphia's Nick Nurse really likes what he has seen from his squad.
09:33But they are unflappable when it comes to injuries.
09:37They've been dealing with them all season, so it doesn't seem to affect them moment to moment like it may some other teams because they've gotten to that place where they can adjust and pivot.
09:49Well, they've had to.
09:50I mean, it's literally a different lineup, it seems like, every night.
09:53They've had the third most starting lineups of any team in the league.
09:56And the stat that got me eyeing is their most used lineup of the year has played 39 minutes together.
10:04So it's just a hodgepodge every night, yet they've been successful.
10:08And here they are at 14-11, but they have lost five straight to the New York Knicks.
10:15Our officiating crew tonight, it's James Williams, Marat Kogut, and Pat O'Connell.
10:21Ball in the air.
10:22Philadelphia controls the tip.
10:24They're trying to bounce back after a loss in Atlanta on Sunday night.
10:29They fell 120-117, but a good time.
10:32Paul George at 35 points.
10:34He opens up with a jumper, and it's off the rim.
10:36Rebounded by Barlow.
10:37He's been a revelation for the edge cone.
10:40His three won't go.
10:41And Ananobi is there for the board.
10:45Mikkel Bridges, his consecutive game streak continues 583 straight games for Bridges.
10:52Kick to the corner.
10:54Hart didn't play last night.
10:55Brunson did hit the game-winner.
10:57Drives in and scores.
10:59Wow, that's just great ball movement by New York, though, which got Brunson an angle to be able to drive it.
11:07Brunson didn't shoot it particularly well against Indiana, but he made the biggest shot of the night.
11:12Finished with 25 points.
11:13Barlow, the long strides to the rim.
11:16Barlow's been outstanding for this team.
11:19Certainly not a guy they went into the season thinking would be a starter for them, but he has done a great job.
11:28Dominic Barlow, who has played with San Antonio and Atlanta.
11:33Out of bounds.
11:34O.G. Ananobi stepped on the baseline.
11:36And just watch this ball movement to set Brunson up.
11:41So right on the closeout, he gets an angle on Edgecombe, able to get it all the way to the rim.
11:47And we're tied at two.
11:50Philadelphia 8-2 following a loss this season.
11:53So they've been highly resilient.
11:56George, pocket pass, kick, extra, Maxey.
12:00What a gifted score Tyrese Maxey is.
12:04But again, just what we saw in the New York replay we showed.
12:08Great ball movement there.
12:09You make the defense move like that, and it is very tough to be set on a closeout against a great player like Brunson or Maxey.
12:20Brunson, two-man game with Towns.
12:21Now they get Bridges involved.
12:23Takes it across the lane.
12:26Forced to give it up.
12:26Brunson tosses it up and in.
12:29Another angle from Brunson.
12:32Well, with Brunson, look, he's good either way.
12:33But when he gets to that left hand, it's lights out.
12:36Just like if Maxey's able to get to his right hand.
12:39And we're tied at four.
12:40Just over two minutes gone by in this opening quarter.
12:43We've got two of the best point guards in the NBA tonight, Iowa.
12:47Edgecombe missed it.
12:49Tip in, drum in.
12:50He couldn't get it to fall.
12:52And here's Brunson the other way.
12:54Give it up.
12:55Hart motors to the rim.
12:56Knocked away by Barlow.
12:58Whip it.
12:59Back outside.
13:00And contact.
13:01A lot of it from Drummond as he hacked Towns.
13:05You thought that was a foul?
13:06I believe from this vantage point it was a foul.
13:09You might have had a better angle.
13:10Yeah.
13:11Were you blocked on the play?
13:12I think I was a little bit.
13:14Well, the officials thought it was a foul on Drummond.
13:16So the Knicks will have it on the side with 15 to shoot.
13:20Well, OG Ananobi just cut too early on the out-of-bounds play.
13:24Drummond didn't have the ball.
13:26He was wide open and could have had a layup.
13:29Hart.
13:30The bounce to Bridges and the chemistry on display.
13:35Hammer jam.
13:36That was a great cut.
13:38Something that Mike Brown has really emphasized in their offense was more cutting.
13:42Edgcombe, a good look at a three.
13:46Book it.
13:47Well, Edgcombe's got to be in their Rookie of the Year discussion.
13:50A little bit of a slow release, but if he's got time, he can really shoot the ball, and
13:56he's an outstanding defender.
13:58That's why he draws the assignment on Jalen Brunson.
14:01Hart attended high school not far from here on Long Island.
14:04Lutheran, originally from the Bahamas.
14:07Hart.
14:08Good look at it, and a soft, feathery touch.
14:11Well, the Knicks have in their way getting into the paint on every possession, and then
14:17being able to create good shots out of that.
14:20They are four of five from the field.
14:22George on a turnaround.
14:24Short.
14:25And a rebound snatched by Towns.
14:26George thought he got fouled.
14:28The referees did not, but he takes a charge on this end.
14:32That was an easy call.
14:34Murat Kogan right on top of it.
14:35Josh Hart thought he was going to have a straight-line drive to the rim, and Paul George had other
14:39ideas.
14:41Paul George has long been one of the best defensive wing players in the league, and
14:46he's starting to get that back, as Nick Nurse talked about, as he gets his legs under
14:52him.
14:52He's looked a lot different these last four games.
14:54Yeah, Nurse told us, George has been moving great, plays on both ends of the floor, called
15:00him one of the best team defenders he's coached.
15:04George lines it up.
15:06Off the rim.
15:08Cleared by Towns.
15:108-7 lead for New York.
15:12Philadelphia opens three of eight from the field.
15:15High screen, Towns.
15:16Bridges.
15:17Find the open man.
15:18And Anobi!
15:20Overcooked it.
15:21Rebound Towns, and he gets the stick back.
15:25Well, Towns, a great offensive rebounder in his own right.
15:28The second-leading rebounder overall in the league.
15:32Maxey with a downtown hit.
15:35Well, you've got to be up on those pick-and-rolls.
15:37If you're Carl Anthony Towns, you can't lay back and give Maxey that look.
15:42And Anobi to the corner.
15:46The bridge is three.
15:47Around and out.
15:49And Drummond gets it ahead for Maxey.
15:51Early offense.
15:52Edge call.
15:54Bounces.
15:55Drummond's added to his game, and he makes the three.
15:58Andre Drummond is a marksman.
16:00Well, he has shot that a little better this year.
16:04It's his twelfth made three of the year, and they let him take it.
16:08Something that the guy talking right now would never let him do in that way.
16:13Brunson off the miss.
16:14Right back to him.
16:15Kick for Hart.
16:16The three ball.
16:18Doesn't go.
16:19Long rebound to George.
16:20It's a testament to guys working on their games, expanding their skills.
16:27Maxey.
16:28Oh, a deep one for Tyrese Maxey.
16:32Boy, this guy's so dangerous.
16:34Look, one of three guys in the league to be in the top ten in three-pointers made and free-throws made.
16:40And that ends a 9-0 run.
16:43The Knicks' ability to execute quickly.
16:46Mikel Bridges.
16:47All 12 of New York's points have come in the paint.
16:52Yeah, look, New York can do that.
16:54I mean, they're basically known for the high-volume threes, but we saw Orlando take the threes away from them in the semifinals of the Cup,
17:03but they scored 70 in the paint, and they're headed that way this year.
17:07And Barlow will have a chance at a three-point play when we come back.
17:11Tyrese Maxey.
17:13Unlimited range.
17:17Thoroughly enjoyed the Knicks' run to the NBA Cup championship.
17:23Time for a live update presented by FanDuel.
17:26The Knicks minus two-and-a-half, the over-under at 235-and-a-half tonight between the Sixers and the Knicks.
17:33The foul was called on Brunson.
17:35And it sends Barlow to the free-throw line.
17:37Change in the Knicks' lineup as Mitchell Robinson, who was an offensive rebounding machine in Vegas in the Cup semis and final.
17:46He was a difference maker for New York.
17:49He checks in.
17:50Ten offensive rebounds in that championship game.
17:53None of them count on his stats.
17:55But he had 10 for 15 points for the Knicks.
17:59That's incredible.
18:01And actually, we've got the two best per-minute offensive rebounders in the league right now matched up against each other in Andre Drummond and Mitchell Robinson.
18:11And the 76ers take a 19-12 lead.
18:13They're 4 of 7 from three-point territory.
18:15The Knicks are 0 of 3.
18:17Towns way outside matched up with Barlow.
18:20Towns trying to create space.
18:23Oh, a pretty spin.
18:24Couldn't finish it.
18:25And it's rebounded by Maxey.
18:29Early offense.
18:30George gets it back off the screen from Barlow.
18:35Maxey!
18:38Barlow got his hand on it.
18:40But it's Towns who comes up with the board.
18:42And a foul on George.
18:45Trying to pick up full court against Brunson.
18:50Yeah, trying to slow him down but got a little too aggressive.
18:53I'll tell you, though, Ryan, on the start of this game, you know, the first six minutes, the ball movement at both ends has been outstanding.
19:00The Knicks trailed Indiana by as many as 16 points in the third quarter.
19:07Came back.
19:08They had 31 assists, 10 steals.
19:10Hard to three.
19:12Got him.
19:14Josh Hart shooting the three better than he has since his rookie year when he didn't get as many attempts.
19:2038% coming in.
19:22That's been key for New York.
19:24Ball got knocked away and retrieved by Edgecombe.
19:29He wants a runway against Towns.
19:31Gets one, drives, and puts it in.
19:35Vijay, Edgecombe, kicking it into another gear.
19:40Towns forcing his way to the rim.
19:42And he draws the foul.
19:43Barlow was there.
19:44And Barlow's arguing, but pretty obvious call.
19:49And here's Hart.
19:50Great job by Bridges drawing to help.
19:54Most teams don't come off the strong side corner, but they still don't believe Josh Hart is that good a shooter.
20:01And then Edgecombe, a great finish with some contact against Towns.
20:05That guy's going to be one heck of a player going.
20:08Because he's a two-way guy.
20:10I mean, he might be better at the defensive end than he is at the offensive end.
20:15Let's check out the upcoming national TV schedule.
20:18Saturday, the Rockets and Nuggets, Hornets, Pistons, Lakers, Clippers all on NBA TV.
20:23And then Monday, Peacock has got the doubleheader, Hornets and Cavaliers.
20:28The Thunder hosting the Grizzlies.
20:29Go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app for more.
20:32Man, what's going on with Cleveland?
20:34I mean, they've had some injuries, Ian, but 15 and 13.
20:39I mean, it was supposed to be the East.
20:41It was supposed to be New York and Cleveland battling it out.
20:44We've got Detroit on top.
20:45We've got Toronto, Boston, Orlando all playing well.
20:48Miami.
20:52Cleveland struggling.
20:55Making sure everybody's okay in that front row as Josh Hart went for the ball.
21:00It's going the other way.
21:01Five minutes to play in this opening quarter.
21:04Philadelphia currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.
21:09Toronto is third, but only a game separates the two teams.
21:13That's how tightly contested it is right now in the East.
21:16George goes cross court.
21:17That's stepping in front.
21:18Clarkson, who just checked in.
21:21Gets it ahead.
21:22Threading the needle.
21:23And it cost him.
21:23Brunson was out of bounds.
21:26And Edgecombe ends up in the Knicks bench.
21:31No, P.J. Edgecombe just right there with Jalen Brunson again.
21:37Great defensive mentality for a 20-year-old player.
21:43Knicks don't turn it over that often.
21:44They have the third lowest turnovers per game at 13.3.
21:49Yeah, the Knicks staples have been take care of the ball, shoot and make a lot of threes.
21:55They get a lot of offense and rebounds.
21:57Maxey against Yabusele puts it up.
22:01No, Barlow's follow doesn't go.
22:03And it's claimed by Hart.
22:05Off to the races.
22:07Yabusele got it.
22:09A three.
22:11Well, to me, the Knicks transition is best.
22:14When Josh Hart rebounds and busts out, he can then make plays.
22:19They cut it to two.
22:21Edgecombe gives it up for Barlow, steps through and switches hands for the deuce.
22:26Nice move.
22:29He's 22 years old from Dumont, New Jersey.
22:32Didn't play college basketball.
22:34Played at overtime elite before entering the NBA.
22:38Hart.
22:38Oh, there's the defense you talked about.
22:40Stan Edgecombe.
22:42Edgecombe inching toward being my Stan crush of the night.
22:47He might get it.
22:48George misses on a three.
22:49Barlow might be fighting him for it.
22:51He might be.
22:52I'll tell you what.
22:53And everybody wants that honor.
22:54Oh, yes.
22:55That's what players play these NBA on prime games.
22:58What's the incentive?
22:59To get the Stan crush title.
23:04Philadelphia can't convert with George.
23:08Brunson.
23:09The handles.
23:10The drive.
23:11The bucket for Jalen Brunson.
23:13Well, look, Jalen Brunson, we said it, and he's a great player, but you can't let him get to the left hand.
23:20The push shot for Maxey.
23:21And you can't let Maxey get to the right hand.
23:23There's only so much you can take away from these great players.
23:27Maxey's got ten.
23:28Brunson.
23:29Brunson, a little bump from Edgecombe.
23:33Rebound got knocked away from Drummond.
23:36Up top.
23:36Robinson.
23:38And it was Brunson with the Robinson.
23:40I like that.
23:45That was a good call.
23:46I like that.
23:47To Robinson.
23:48The jumper doesn't go for Maxey.
23:51And you mentioned it.
23:52The top two offensive rebounders going head-to-head.
23:55Robinson got the better of Drummond.
23:57Brunson, that was a heat check.
23:59Missed it from the outside.
24:0125-23.
24:03Philly.
24:04Maxey, the cutter, Barlow.
24:07Uncontested jam.
24:09A defensive breakdown, and Barlow's got nine.
24:12Great setup by Maxey.
24:14Certainly was.
24:14And a great run by Barlow.
24:17And then Brunson with the, what was it?
24:19The Robinson.
24:21I like it.
24:22And then Maxey with the assist here to Barlow.
24:25Mike Brown not happy about that defense.
24:27And the Knicks can taste it.
24:38And they like Jerry Maguire.
24:40Show me the money.
24:41It's game night in Las Vegas.
24:43Brunson with a highlight.
24:45Josh Hart just gave you the show me the money.
24:49The New York Knicks are NBA Cup champions.
24:57The third installment of the Emirates NBA Cup.
25:00And the Knicks hoisted the trophy.
25:03What a run they had.
25:04The MVP, Jalen Brunson.
25:06Let's get more right now from third member of our crew, Cassidy Hubbard.
25:10Yeah, Ian.
25:10One of the coolest stories that come out of the Knicks NBA Cup win isn't about banners or llamas.
25:15It's about who the Knicks made sure didn't get left out.
25:18Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and some of the higher paid players, along with head coach Mike Brown, have chosen to share their Cup prize money with essentially staff members who didn't receive bonuses.
25:28That's trainers, PR staff, medical staff, massage therapists, video and support personnel.
25:33I'm told around 25 people.
25:35And, of course, Jalen Brunson, the captain, said it best.
25:38You're not just playing for yourself.
25:39You're playing for the entire team.
25:41Certainly a powerful reflection of the culture for this group, guys.
25:44It certainly is.
25:45I mean, that is outstanding.
25:47Now, the other people that did not get a share were the broadcasters, and they could have signed some of that over to us, Ian.
25:58Robinson has been a menace defensively.
26:01Back-to-back possessions with a block for Mitchell Robinson.
26:07Denied Edgecombe and then did it again.
26:13Wow.
26:13Mitchell Robinson, you know, they've got his minutes down to 17-18 for energy management, but he is making the most of all of those minutes.
26:23Quentin Grimes is in.
26:24So is Jared McCain, Walker, and Bona.
26:28Back in McCain.
26:30Squares.
26:31And hits.
26:32McCain, the second-year guard out of Duke.
26:37Trying to get his legs back under him.
26:39And, you know, he was probably the very early season leader for Rookie of the Year a year ago, but it's taken him some time.
26:45This year comes in only shooting 36% from the floor.
26:50It'll take a while for him to get back to where he was a year ago.
26:5423 games last year.
26:55The left knee injury and a foul called as the shot clock had hit 4.7.
26:59Philadelphia did have the foul to give.
27:05Knicks will have it on the side with 14 to shoot.
27:08Sixers lead by four.
27:10Knicks have turned it over five times in this first quarter, but they're shooting 58% from the field.
27:20Yabusele.
27:22Kick it out for Clarkson.
27:23Gets the step on McCain.
27:25And hits the jumper.
27:27He was looking for a call, and the ball just happened to go in.
27:30He's been outstanding lately.
27:34It's a one-point game.
27:3642 seconds left in the first.
27:42Edgecombe will hand it to McCain.
27:43Nine to shoot.
27:46Swing.
27:47Edgecombe's jumper.
27:48Doesn't go.
27:49Rebounded by Robinson.
27:51There's a six-second difference.
27:53Shot clock to game clock.
27:55Ananobi.
27:59Trying to turn the corner on Walker.
28:00He does.
28:01He draws a lot of defenders, and Clarkson misses on a three.
28:05There's a loose ball foul, and it's going to stay right here.
28:10Here's Clarkson on the three.
28:12Thought he got fouled right there, but stays with it and gets it in the basket.
28:17He had 33 points total in the two games before tonight.
28:22Not a bad foul there by a dim boner.
28:26You don't want Robinson to come up with the ball.
28:28I've been advocating this all year.
28:30Foul him on offensive rebounds.
28:32He's shooting under 25% at the free throw line, and he creates so many second-chance points.
28:39I'd rather have him standing right there for that reason.
28:42Line drive attempt is short.
28:44Second one coming for Robinson.
28:4615.8 on the clock.
28:48Maxey will check back in, and he will replace Bona.
28:52And now Mike Brown will make a change with Diawara getting an opportunity here in the first quarter.
29:01Diawara started last night with people out.
29:05No heart.
29:06No towns.
29:08Jalen Bronson just keeps playing every single game.
29:12Mitchell Robinson didn't play last night either off the bench.
29:14And Robinson goes one out of two.
29:17He was a 51% career free throw shooter, but has really struggled this year.
29:23The Knicks will take that one out of two.
29:25We are tied at 29.
29:29Sixers will hold for one.
29:30Four seconds left.
29:31Screen from Grimes, and the Knicks had the foul to give.
29:34They give it 3.8.
29:363.8 is still plenty of time, but would have liked to have seen Philly,
29:40knowing New York had a foul to give, go a little bit earlier there.
29:43Sixers started the season 5-1.
29:50They've gone 9-10 since that start.
29:53Edgecombe, the trigger man.
29:56Bounce it to Maxey.
29:58Over to Walker.
29:59And his jumper is off the mark to end a highly competitive first quarter.
30:06The Sixers and the Knicks are tied at 29.
30:11We're back with more at Madison Square Garden.
30:13You're watching the NBA on Prime, presented by Wingstop.
30:19It's time for Fit Check, presented by Lexus,
30:21as we take a look at Anthony Edwards.
30:25Come on!
30:26The Minnesota Timberwolves are hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder,
30:30and SGA getting ready for action in Minneapolis.
30:36Got it for you.
30:36Coming up right here on Prime.
30:39My goal for this season, Ian, is to be on the Fit Check.
30:42To be featured on Fit Check.
30:43I mean, I got a Christmas tie on tonight.
30:46I thought tonight was a night.
30:47I'm going to talk to the Fit Check people and make this happen.
30:50Foul is called 10 seconds into the second quarter.
30:55Bona came over the top on Towne.
30:58So that's two on Adem Bona, second-year big man from UCLA.
31:03Great shot, Blocker.
31:04And did a good job there.
31:06The idea was right.
31:07Not letting Townes catch it where he wanted to.
31:10He doesn't need to foul there.
31:13Tyler Kolick is in.
31:16And the Knicks just turned it over.
31:18Tyrese Maxey, outstanding defensive play right there.
31:22Look at this.
31:23Blowing through here and disrupting the handoff.
31:29Sixers have Maxey, Grimes, McCain, Bona, and Walker.
31:34And they give it away.
31:35Well, Grimes lost the ball on his way down,
31:39and tried to save it, threw it out of bounds.
31:41Only the second turnover for Nick Nurse's team.
31:44Nick Nurse was talking about Maxey's defense before the game with us.
31:48But he thinks he's played better at that end
31:50and he's taking more responsibility there.
31:53Kolick feeds it to Clarkson.
31:56Townes way outside.
31:58And Anobi and Bridges round out the five on the floor.
32:01Townes, open look at a three.
32:03In and out.
32:05Grimes, former Nick, in there for the rebound.
32:09Maxey, for Walker, lob it up.
32:13Bona tried to guide it.
32:14He was fouled on the play.
32:19And they're going to have it on the side.
32:20It's not considered a shot for Bona.
32:22Because he didn't have control of the ball.
32:25You see this?
32:30It's more of a tip.
32:33Yep.
32:34So they cannot give him a shooting foul.
32:36Foul called on Kolick, who has been outstanding for the Knicks.
32:42Really stood out in Las Vegas.
32:45Maxey gets the roll.
32:47That was as good a job defensively as Kolick could do.
32:51Maxey on that step back.
32:53Going left, he loves to step back.
32:55To the right, he's a to-the-rim guy.
32:57Kolick bounces.
32:58The setup for Tano.
33:00It's beautifully done.
33:01And a chance for three.
33:03And that's three on a Dembona.
33:06My guess is that Drummond will be re-entering here pretty quickly.
33:10Nope, it's going to be Barlow.
33:14So Towns goes to the line.
33:16Barlow will take Bona's spot on the floor.
33:25Carl Anthony Towns was dealing with a knee issue.
33:30Got banged up in the NBA Cup championship game.
33:34And that was considered more of a potential calf problem from previous injury that he was managing.
33:41The reality is he continues to play at an extremely high level.
33:46The role within this offense for Mike Brown is clicking.
33:53It's working.
33:54It sure is.
33:55His last five games coming in, 25 points, 11 and a half rebounds, 57% from the floor, 50% from three.
34:04McCain tried to blast to the rim.
34:06Scoop to the hoop is good.
34:08And a foul.
34:11Well, look.
34:12Mike Brown said he talked to Tyler Kolick.
34:15People are going to go at him.
34:18You know, they look at him.
34:20They think that's a weakness.
34:22We've seen it twice already.
34:24Maxey with the step back.
34:25And now McCain to the rim.
34:27Tyler Kolick's been more aggressive lately.
34:29But they're coming at him.
34:31Second foul on Kolick.
34:33Sixers lead by two early stages of this second quarter.
34:38Knicks come in.
34:39Two games behind Detroit.
34:40Number two in the Eastern Conference.
34:42Towns one-on-one with Barlow on an island.
34:45Towns.
34:46Fend off.
34:47Floater.
34:47No.
34:48And a loose ball foul.
34:51And Barlow cannot believe it.
34:56Well, listen.
34:57When you go, we've already seen them pick up a foul on Mitchell Robinson going to the glass.
35:02When you go to the offensive glass as hard as New York does, people will hold you, grab you, do anything you can to keep you off the boards.
35:11So even though he doesn't get an offensive rebound on this, on the stats, he created the foul.
35:19Now, this is the third team foul against Philly.
35:22We're not even two minutes into this second quarter.
35:25Look at this drive.
35:26That's excellent defense on the contest by Barlow.
35:29Yeah, I didn't see anything either.
35:33I might go with Dominic Barlow on that.
35:38Barlow's got a 7'3 wingspan.
35:40So even though he's listed at 6'9", plays bigger than the frame would indicate.
35:47And they've been using him at center, power forward.
35:49He's just had to fill in a number of different roles based on injuries.
35:55Players got stacked up outside.
35:57And a push-off against New York.
36:01OG Ananobi, the guilty party.
36:04Ananobi in towns talking over their coverage.
36:07Still talking.
36:08A little bit of confusion there.
36:11Ananobi at 16.6 remounts.
36:13And the game-sealing steal last night against Indiana.
36:20And now New York going to their double-big lineup,
36:23which will bring Andre Drummond back into the game as a response from Nick Nurse.
36:30So he will replace Barlow.
36:31They'll keep Jabari Walker on the floor.
36:40McCain triggers in for Walker.
36:42Grimes continues to fill up the box score for Philadelphia this season.
36:49That's a 3.
36:50Airball.
36:52That was a little deep.
36:54He knows that OG Ananobi's going to close quickly.
36:57Shot it a little too quick.
36:59And Ananobi lost it.
37:01There was contact.
37:02And a foul call.
37:03That's four team fouls against Philadelphia.
37:07And Grimes picks up the personal.
37:09There's three team fouls on the Knicks.
37:11This has been a snail's pace of a second quarter because of all the whistles.
37:16Yeah, and in the first quarter, we had just the opposite.
37:19The game moved up and down pretty well.
37:22It's even Steven, Stan.
37:24That's how it works in life.
37:25Very balanced.
37:28Back in by Towns.
37:30The drive across.
37:32And the touch for Karl-Anthony Towns.
37:34Well, there's no way Walker's going to be able to play Towns one-on-one down there.
37:39New York now with 22 in the paint.
37:42But Philly's got 16 of their own.
37:44McCain's jumper doesn't go.
37:46Walker flies in.
37:48And he knocked it off of New York.
37:50Out of bounds.
37:51Philly ball.
37:55Jabari Walker hustles.
37:583-and-D wing.
38:00It's not a two-way deal.
38:04Coached his dad, Samaki.
38:06Yep.
38:07Samaki won a title with the Lakers.
38:10McCain.
38:10Shot clock winding down.
38:11McCain blocked by Ananobi.
38:14Kolek will move it ahead.
38:18Ananobi.
38:19The drive.
38:20The dish.
38:22Robinson is fouled.
38:23Two more free throws.
38:24It'll be Grimes picking it up.
38:32OGN.
38:33Don't make it drumming.
38:35Absolutely great defense here.
38:37Right on top of the ball.
38:39So, Robinson, who went one of two in his first stint at the free throw line.
38:48Now two out of three.
38:51That's a big ovation from this garden crowd.
38:54Shoots the ball with virtually no arc whatsoever.
38:58You mentioned the rebounds per minute leaders this season.
39:03It's Robinson and Drummond.
39:05Zach Eadie currently injured.
39:08Right in there with the two veterans.
39:11Yeah, look.
39:11I mean, Andre Drummond, one of the best rebounders that has ever been in this league.
39:16Only three guys with higher offensive rebounding career averages.
39:21Moses Malone and Dennis Rodney.
39:25Both teams have made 14 field goals.
39:29Philadelphia has taken 10 more shots than New York.
39:33George, one-on-one with Ananobi.
39:36The back end spin fade short.
39:39And Robinson grabs the board.
39:4338-34.
39:45Knicks.
39:45Kola.
39:47Pump fake.
39:48Fly by.
39:49Can't hit the three.
39:50Robinson got his hands on it.
39:52That ball gets knocked to the backcourt.
39:54And Ananobi will go back and get it.
39:56It's Mitchell Robinson again creating extra opportunities.
40:00Bridges gets cut off.
40:01Ananobi drives in.
40:03Missed it on a scoop.
40:05Towns put down by Robinson.
40:108-0 run for New York.
40:12And that's seven offensive rebounds for the Knicks.
40:19George trying to get it going.
40:20The bounce for Drummond.
40:22Two defenders.
40:23And taken away by Robinson.
40:26It's a four-on-two developing.
40:28And Ananobi.
40:29Short on a three.
40:31Caught by Bridges.
40:32Intercepted by Maxey.
40:35Uncontested for the two-handed flush.
40:42Well, Maxey's sixth in the league in steals coming in.
40:46He's at 1.7 per game.
40:49And he's got 14 points.
40:51And the anticipation by Grimes.
40:53He's going to do it himself and miss it.
40:55But a foul on Kolick.
40:59The defense has been superb at times for Philadelphia.
41:04Stepping into passing lanes and anticipating dishes.
41:07And they're in the bottom ten in the league in turnovers forced.
41:13But two big ones in a row right now.
41:15And the third foul on Tyler Kolick.
41:18Free throws coming up for Quinton Grimes in a four-point game at the Garden.
41:25Let's check out from the wing.
41:28Presented by Wingstop.
41:30Maxey with the steal.
41:32And takes it easily to the rim as you see his miles per hour decline.
41:36Great deflection.
41:39And nobody's catching this guy, Ian.
41:42If he's out in front.
41:43One of the fastest, if not the fastest guys in the league.
41:47And he does more than on the court.
41:49He's also a leader.
41:50Cassidy?
41:51Yeah, Joel Embiid's been calling Tyrese Maxey the franchise for a while now.
41:55And Maxey told me he's grown into what that really means.
41:58John Calipari, who's actually in attendance tonight,
42:00once called him the smiling assassin at Kentucky.
42:03And Maxey said, I used to always smile, but I can't be that guy anymore.
42:07He wants the younger guys to have that freedom while he takes on more responsibility.
42:12Now, when James Harden was traded, Embiid pulled Maxey aside
42:15and told him to be aggressive in his leadership.
42:17And that has a real stake in where this team is going.
42:20And that smile's still there, guys.
42:23But now there's a purpose behind it, telling me I want my teammates to feel how much winning means to me, guys.
42:28And we saw Coach Cal there with his son, Brad Calipari.
42:32Bridges with the floater.
42:34Calipari coached Maxey and Carl Anthony Towns at Kentucky.
42:38Cal, of course, now at Arkansas.
42:40At Arkansas with a very good team.
42:42Maxey, 42-38.
42:45Nicks, Maxey is open.
42:47And Maxey connects for three.
42:49Mike Brown a little upset over there on the side.
42:51Like, they've got to be up on Maxey.
42:54I mean, they're just letting him walk into those threes.
42:57That will not work.
42:58He's averaging 31.5 points per game.
43:00Third in the NBA.
43:02The answer, no.
43:03Brunson.
43:04Rebound.
43:05Town.
43:05Kick.
43:06Hart.
43:06Three.
43:07No.
43:08And Robinson again keeps it alive.
43:11Brunson saves it.
43:13And the Knicks get a reload.
43:14Brunson landed funny on that jump shot on his ankle.
43:17A lot to keep an eye on him.
43:18Bridges misses on the interior.
43:20You're right.
43:21Just watching his gait getting back right now.
43:24Rebounding numbers are 24-12 in favor of New York.
43:29Maxey.
43:30Give it up.
43:33McCain.
43:34We're going to hit the halfway point of the second.
43:36McCain takes it at Towns.
43:38Couldn't finish.
43:41Hart.
43:42Oh, the bullet feed for Bridges.
43:46Villanova connection alive and well.
43:51Josh Hart with his third assist of the night.
43:55And the Knicks up by three.
43:57Maxey.
43:58Off the rim.
44:00Rebounded by Hart.
44:01Here we go.
44:02Ahead, Brunson.
44:03Sixers floor balance defensively here.
44:08Switch.
44:10Bridges trying to get Towns involved.
44:12Could not.
44:14Eight to shoot.
44:16Brunson one-on-one with Maxey.
44:18Take it away.
44:20And a foul on McCain.
44:22No, I think that one he called on Maxey, actually, Ian.
44:26I think McCain got it clean.
44:28You're right.
44:30Look at that pass by Josh Hart.
44:32Josh Hart, the best guy they have to lead the fast break.
44:37Just his ability end-to-end to maintain control?
44:43Absolutely.
44:44I just think he pushes it the fastest with the ball, and he's always got his head up.
44:50Something Dwayne Wade was talking about when we were with D. Wade in Las Vegas.
44:59That Hart's game is unorthodox, and it will throw defenders off their game a bit.
45:04No question.
45:05I mean, he goes off the wrong foot sometimes.
45:09He dribbles up the right side of the floor with his left hand.
45:14It is a little bit different.
45:16It could be disarming.
45:17But very effective, yes.
45:18And it's working for him.
45:20Josh Hart, in his ninth year in the NBA, is putting up excellent numbers.
45:24The Knicks win when he's in the starting lineup.
45:27They are 9-1 this season with Hart, a part of the starting five.
45:32And he led the league last year in minutes per game.
45:34This year, it's Tyrese Maxey at just under 40 minutes a night.
45:39Justin Edwards is in for Philadelphia.
45:42George one-on-one with Hart.
45:43The killer cross.
45:46The jump shot.
45:48Splash for PG.
45:51That's great defense by Hart.
45:52Offense a little bit better by Paul George.
45:55Sixers playing without Joel Embiid, without Kelly Oubre,
45:58and without Trendon Watford.
46:04First points for Paul George.
46:06He's one of seven from the field.
46:08Loses the ball a little bit there, but still just able to get it up over the top.
46:12His last four games coming in have been outstanding.
46:15Twenty-two and a half points, shooting 48% from the floor and 54% from three.
46:21Brunson pivots and scores!
46:26Jalen Brunson with the creativity.
46:29Well, we talk about it all the time.
46:31Your job's not done on Brunson when you force him to pick up his dribble.
46:35His footwork's so good for a small guard.
46:39Well, really, for anybody.
46:40You just don't see it much with small guards.
46:42D'Awara is in.
46:44He's trying to chase down the guard, Grimes.
46:48And Grimes makes him pay as he snaps in a three.
46:52Well, Grimes this year, career highs in minutes, points, assists.
46:57Having an outstanding year, and he's been better off the bench
47:00than he was when he was in the starting lineup.
47:02They could not come to a long-term agreement,
47:05so he signs one-year, 8.7 mil.
47:07Look out!
47:08Edwards!
47:10He landed right on John McEnroe!
47:14Protect our tennis heroes, please!
47:19He didn't mind because Johnny Mac's a Knicks fan, so he said,
47:22what the heck?
47:27Everybody's okay.
47:30Brunson.
47:31Short.
47:32And the ball got knocked over to Drummond.
47:3548-46, New York.
47:39Grimes.
47:40Drive and kick.
47:41For the lead, Edwards.
47:43Yes!
47:44It's a three!
47:49The Philadelphia native, Justin Edwards,
47:52puts the Sixers in front by one.
47:54Clarkson.
47:56The teardrop goes.
47:57Off the bench, instant offense.
47:59Well, he had Drummond caught in between
48:02not wanting to give up the lob to Robinson.
48:05Made him make it what should have been a tougher shot.
48:08Edwards, same spot.
48:09The same result.
48:10Back-to-back trays.
48:12Give him a nice lift off the bench.
48:15And this is what Nick Nurse was looking for.
48:18Edwards to rediscover that stroke.
48:21McCain to shoot it at a higher percentage.
48:24They are 8 of 20 from three-point territory.
48:27Brunson fend off.
48:29D'Alarra missed it.
48:31And Drummond is there for the board.
48:34His seventh of the night.
48:36New York is 3 of 15 from downtown.
48:39Sixers lead by two.
48:41George hoists.
48:43A rounded out.
48:49Brunson picked up by the lefty, Edwards.
48:52Southpaw against Southpaw.
48:53Oh, the spin.
48:56Throne down.
48:58Robinson.
48:59Big finish.
49:02But again, great offensive rebound.
49:06But it was created by Brunson's drive that drew the help.
49:10Robinson there to clean it up.
49:11Mitchell Robinson nearly ripping down the rim off the Brunson miss.
49:21We are all tied up.
49:2252 apiece.
49:24On prime.
49:26In the NBA Cup MVP, and just watch this footwork.
49:30I've never seen a point guard do it better.
49:33Watch the multiple pivots here and find space stepping through.
49:39May have gotten away with the travel.
49:41But again, here, reverse dribble.
49:44Comes back.
49:45And then draws the help off that footwork.
49:48Drives create help.
49:50Help create offensive rebounds.
49:53Mitchell Robinson dunks it through.
49:55Nine points and eight rebounds for Mitchell Robinson in 14 minutes.
50:00And we are tied at 52.
50:02Just over two minutes to go in this first half.
50:05Maxey to the corner.
50:07Edwards out of the timeout.
50:08Comes up short.
50:09And a strong side rebound for Bridges.
50:14Knicks are at 50% from the field.
50:16Sixers are at 44%.
50:18Towns to the rim.
50:19Layup no, but a foul.
50:21And Carl Anthony Towns will shoot two.
50:28And again, we talk about this all the time, Ian.
50:31You've got to know personnel in the league.
50:34Carl Anthony Towns can certainly put the ball on the floor going either way.
50:37But he prefers to go left.
50:39You can't stop great players, but you can't let them play to their strengths.
50:44You're just trying to reduce the efficiency a little bit.
50:47He's got 17 double-doubles this season.
50:50That's second to Nikola Jokic.
50:54Stay tuned for the half.
50:56Presented by AT&T.
50:58Taylor Rooks.
50:59Blake Griffin.
51:00Steve Nash.
51:01Udonis Haslam.
51:02Getting some shots up before we hit the break.
51:05And congratulations to our colleagues, Blake Griffin and Candice Parker.
51:09Named to the semi-finalist list for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
51:15Both very deserving.
51:17And we wish them well and are hoping the vote goes their way.
51:21No doubt.
51:2220 points.
51:2314 rebounds combined for Towns and Robinson.
51:27And the Knicks lead by one.
51:30Trying to bunch up on Maxey.
51:31Edwards gets another open look.
51:33Off the rim.
51:35Towns clears it.
51:37Well, New York clearly going to be more aggressive with Maxey.
51:40He's already got 17 points.
51:42Towns short.
51:44Bridges is there.
51:45Swing it.
51:47It's Brunson.
51:48Over Edwards.
51:49He knocks it in.
51:51And the foul.
51:52Chance at a four-point play.
51:57And as it does most nights with New York, the offensive rebounding just huge for them.
52:04That was their 12th offensive rebound.
52:06They've got 14 second-chance points and a chance to get a 15th right here.
52:11If you're going to play the Knicks, big part of your game plan has got to be to keep them off of the glass.
52:17The foul on Edwards.
52:21His first.
52:25Brunson's got 14 points.
52:28Six rebounds.
52:29Three assists.
52:31And no turnovers.
52:3357-52.
52:34New York.
52:351.28 to play.
52:36Second quarter.
52:39Hedgecombe's been quiet.
52:41And missed it with the offhand.
52:47Hedgecombe now 2 of 8 from the field.
52:51Towns screening for Brunson.
52:54Brunson goes down.
52:57They try to get their hands on the ball.
53:00Nobody blowing the whistle.
53:01And eventually, it is a tie-up.
53:07Well, New York would have rather than blown the whistle a little earlier.
53:10Brunson thought he got fouled.
53:12Thought he got tripped.
53:14I don't think so.
53:14I think a good and on-call, Ryan.
53:17I think he slipped.
53:18Lost his footing there.
53:19And then it took a while.
53:22Well, they would have rather had the call go earlier if they indeed could win the tip,
53:27which is unlikely against Paul George.
53:28But they've only got six seconds left if that happens.
53:35Kogut puts it in the air.
53:36George has knocked it out of bounds.
53:39He was a bit overzealous.
53:40Well, Brunson tried to quick jump in.
53:45He did.
53:45And so I think that sort of forced Paul George into being ultra-aggressive on the tip.
53:52Six seconds for the Knicks.
53:54Brunson.
53:55Get it in for Bridges.
53:57Pull up.
53:58Missed it off the window.
53:59The box out by Drummond.
54:01And a foul called.
54:03Drummond got a hit.
54:04Carl Anthony Towns eventually ended up with the basketball, but also got a whistle.
54:09I've got to tell you, I don't think in all the years I've seen the Knicks play,
54:16or even when Carl Anthony Towns was in Minnesota,
54:19that we've gotten this far into the game to be able to say that's his first foul.
54:24Carl Anthony Towns is a great player, but he has a lot of foul trouble.
54:31So that one called on Cat.
54:33It sends Drummond to the free throw line.
54:35He's actually shooting it at 62% this season.
54:37Basketball brings people together everywhere.
54:44This Sunday, December 21st, join the NBA family in celebrating World Basketball Day,
54:48a global recognition of our shared love of the game.
54:51Go to NBA.com slash World Basketball Day to learn more.
54:54The way I'll celebrate, I am, because it's such an important day,
54:58I will do nothing around my house on Sunday.
55:01Nothing.
55:01I am going to rest and celebrate basketball.
55:04That's it.
55:04You're such a giver.
55:06I am.
55:06Normally, I wouldn't do anything around the house anyway.
55:08I'm pretty lazy.
55:10Brunson sticks it.
55:15Really well executed.
55:17Coming off of the free throw.
55:1959-54, Knicks.
55:24They show on George.
55:26George's jumper is silky smooth.
55:32That's only his second-made bucket, his first three tonight.
55:35He's had a tough night.
55:37He can get it going at any point, though.
55:39And Philadelphia has managed to stay in this game.
55:4210-second difference.
55:43Shot clock, the game clock, winding down in the first half.
55:45Brunson defended by Edwards.
55:47High-screen Towns.
55:48They double with Drummond.
55:50Brunson's ball was tipped.
55:52Towns couldn't catch it.
55:53It's out of bounds off of George, but 2.3 left on the shot clock.
56:00New York's been very, very good, though, on baseline out of bounds all year.
56:08Brunson, no look to Hart.
56:10Couldn't finish it.
56:12Maxey, eight seconds left.
56:15Bridget gets back defensively.
56:16Maxey, shifting gears.
56:19Step back, Jack.
56:20No good.
56:20Hart, the rebound, and that's how the half will end.
56:24Good one at the Garden.
56:26The Knicks, 59.
56:28The Sixers, 57.
56:31At the break.
56:35The first of four meetings between these two teams.
56:38They'll do it again at the Garden on January 3rd and then in Philly, January 24th and February 11th.
56:46We'll send it to the studio when we come back.
56:47You're watching NBA on Prime, presented by Wingstop.
56:51It is halftime at Madison Square Garden.
57:04The Knicks lead the Sixers, 59-57.
57:07Welcome on in.
57:07And I'm Taylor Rooks with Steve Nash, Blake Griffin, and Udonis Haslam.
57:1112 lead changes, seven ties in the game.
57:14Neither team led by more than seven in the first half.
57:16But as the Knicks look to separate, Mitchell Robinson has been a difference maker, Blake.
57:20He has, and, you know, on the second night of a back-to-back, coming off of the emotions of Vegas,
57:25like, it's such a luxury for a team to have a guy who can score without needing the ball in his hands, right?
57:31Go get an offensive rebound, block shots, keep the ball alive, run the floor, block another shot.
57:37I mean, he's been all over the place, and that's huge.
57:39Like you said, second night of a back-to-back, everybody's tired.
57:42So, that's a luxury.
57:43He's got to keep going.
57:44An intentional cat has shown up tonight.
57:47He is very intentional about getting to his spot.
57:49He is not letting him off the hook.
57:51When he gets the ball on the post, he gets in the paint, he gets to the basket.
57:56On the pick-and-roll, I love this right here on this pick-and-roll.
57:59As they come off this pick-and-roll right here, we've seen cats so many times flare on this pick-and-roll
58:03and just settle for the three.
58:04Watch how he eats up this space as Cole gets in the paint.
58:06Eats up this space, getting downhill, takes the contact and finish.
58:09That is intentional because so many times we've seen him settle.
58:12Coming right here, we got him in the post.
58:14One-on-one, you're not going to come.
58:16I'm going to crab dribble in the depth.
58:17Crab dribble in the depth.
58:18Nobody's coming.
58:19Here we go.
58:19Crab dribble, crab dribble, crab dribble, crab dribble.
58:22Get in the paint.
58:22Finish over top.
58:24Every single time, he's going to have a mismatch.
58:26If he sets that screen right, he can get in the paint because he's a shooter.
58:29A really good job by Cole looking at that pick-and-roll we just saw.
58:31Just being patient, Steve.
58:32I mean, you know how hard that is for guards.
58:35And, like, we talked about it pregame.
58:36That's, like, his growth.
58:37That's his confidence coming off that cup.
58:39Yeah, putting that big in jail, so to speak.
58:41He's like, do I come to the ball and do I get...
58:43God.
58:44God bless you.
58:45God bless you.
58:45Let's see.
58:46God bless you.
58:46God bless you.
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