The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a heartbreaking loss in Game 2 of their series against the New York Knicks. Despite leading by five with less than a minute remaining, everything fell apart for the 76ers.
They had fought back from a fourth-quarter deficit and had stellar performances from players like Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Joel Embiid.
However, in the final seconds, the Knicks staged a comeback and emerged with a 104-101 victory. This loss not only meant losing home-court advantage but also left the 76ers frustrated with the officiating.
Embiid called it “unacceptable" and stated that his team had been disadvantaged by certain calls.
Joel Embiid sounds off on last night’s loss
"This is worse than Game 7 [vs. Toronto in 2019]."
(Via https://t.co/89oDi31rUM) pic.twitter.com/ic278h9Xxe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 23, 2024
In response to the officiating concerns, the 76ers plan to file a complaint with the NBA, although it is not an official protest. They believe that their coach, Nick Nurse, should have been granted a timeout before Maxey"s turnover.
The team is also dissatisfied that referees did not speak with reporters about the final sequences of the game.
Despite the questionable officiating, the 76ers acknowledged that they played a part in giving away the game. A key sequence involved a missed free throw by Kyle Lowry and a three-pointer by Brunson that bounced on the rim before going in.
Additionally, Nurse"s attempts to call timeouts were ignored, which further contributed to the loss.
Even after the disappointment, Embiid remains confident in his team"s ability to bounce back. He believes they are the better team and will fight to win the series.
However, the Knicks have been capitalizing on opportunities, with players like Donte DiVincenzo and Deuce McBride making significant impacts.
Moving forward, the 76ers will need to adjust their defensive strategies against Brunson while dealing with the hot shooting of players like DiVincenzo and McBride.
They have to ensure they do not let another game slip away and jeopardize their postseason run.
The loss was a devastating blow to the 76ers, and they are determined to regroup and come back stronger.
The team has identified areas they need to improve on and remains confident in their ability to turn the series in their favor.
Fans reacted as follows:
Kawhi's shot ended the series
The 76ers had an actual chance to win that title that yearthe shots aren't even comparable
— KlawWrld (@kawhi_ring) April 23, 2024
Brother you are only down 2-0 it's not worse 😅💀
— joegrower420.eth 🌱 (@joegrower420) April 23, 2024
The sixers and having heartbreaking playoff losses pic.twitter.com/0yNQvj9Mqa
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) April 23, 2024
It is like embiid already forgot the pain he has that day crying like a baby
— Truetosteph (@Landof30) April 23, 2024
If Sixers won that game 7, Jimmy would have a ring and finals mvp 💔
— Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) April 23, 2024
We share the same pain embiid i promise you
— BeastBron💜💛 (@bronisabeast) April 23, 2024
It’s definitely not 😂 that game 7 buzzer beater determined the Champion of the Finals. Both of these teams are going to get eliminated eventually anyway
— M.A.B. 💙 (@iammab) April 23, 2024
Joel man I still wanna take a 12 gauge to the face thinking about that game 7 in 2019 nothing will ever top that, this loss doesn’t even top game 7 against Atlanta or Boston
— Joel Embiid Truther (@EmGoatFan) April 23, 2024
thats how broken players feel after losing to brunson 😭
— desire (@dgsire) April 23, 2024
This how AD was watching that Murray game winner 😭😭😭but falling backwards.
— Big O (Stinsons Shooting Supply) (@therealOStinson) April 23, 2024
https://twitter.com/HOLLYWOODGHEE_/status/17828534655694234
Here u still have a chance to even the series,dude u were sent cancun early from Toronto
— Eddie (@kameidotrading) April 23, 2024
