The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a critical challenge in their Round 2 playoff series against the New York Knicks, and it’s not just about their star-studded starting lineup. While Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Joel Embiid form one of the league’s most formidable units, the team’s bench has struggled to provide the spark needed in high-stakes postseason action.

In Friday’s Game 3 loss, the Sixers’ bench didn’t score a single point until Quentin Grimes hit a 3-pointer with just 11:00 left in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Knicks’ reserves poured in 29 points, including 15 from former Sixer Landry Shamet. That disparity proved costly, as Philadelphia’s starters logged heavy minutes—Maxey played 44, Edgecombe 40, George 38, and both Oubre and Embiid 35 each. While playoff basketball typically calls for extended minutes from stars, the Sixers desperately need bench production to lighten the load and keep the team competitive.

“I mean, yeah, we do need a little push,” Paul George said of the bench unit. “The starting group, on any given night, we’re in the 40s or close to it. So, we definitely need a push. Someone come in and give us that extra little hump. That’s what it’s gonna take.”

In the playoffs, stars often lead the way, but the difference in a seven-game series often comes down to role players and bench contributors stepping up. The Knicks have found that rhythm early in this series, while Philadelphia has yet to click. With Game 4 on Sunday, the Sixers have a chance to turn things around—and if their bench can deliver, it could be the key to shifting momentum.

“Especially in the playoffs, you need everybody,” George added. “You need role guys to step up, and bench guys to step up, and we got the guys that can do it. I’m positive that we’ll make a turnaround.”