The Philadelphia 76ers came out swinging in Game 2 of their Round 2 playoff series against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, looking to bounce back from a tough Game 1 loss. But the odds were stacked against them from the start, as star center Joel Embiid was ruled out with hip and ankle issues. Still, this Sixers squad has built a reputation for resilience, and they didn't disappoint—scratching and clawing their way through a hard-fought battle before ultimately falling short, 108-102. The Knicks now hold a 2-0 series lead, thanks to a balanced attack led by Jalen Brunson (26 points, 6 assists), OG Anunoby (24 points, 5 rebounds), and Karl-Anthony Towns (20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists).

For the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey was the engine that kept them in the game, dropping 26 points and 6 assists. When Maxey puts his head down and attacks the paint, the Knicks' physical defenders simply can't keep up with his quickness. He found a rhythm in the second quarter, sparking a run that gave Philadelphia a lead, with phenomenal finishes at the rim and tough turnaround jumpers under pressure. He also drew fouls consistently, keeping the offense flowing. But there were cracks in his game—turnovers and a few missed box-out opportunities—and his second half went quiet, which allowed New York to regain control. Still, Maxey played heavy minutes and showed the heart of a leader.

Paul George added 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds. Rookie VJ Edgecombe also made his presence felt, finishing with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Edgecombe drew the tough assignment of guarding Jalen Brunson and handled it like a pro, using his athleticism and length to force the Knicks star into difficult looks all night. Offensively, he started slow but came alive in the second half with some clutch shots that kept the Sixers within striking distance. Quentin Grimes contributed 7 points off the bench.

In the end, the short-handed Sixers gave a gutsy effort, but the Knicks did just enough to squeak out the win. Philadelphia will need to regroup and find answers before heading home for Game 3—and they'll hope to have Embiid back in the lineup to even the odds.