Knicks’ Bench Just Humiliated the 76ers in Their Own Building Despite Joel Embiid Injury Return
May 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Knicks, the 76ers’ hopes rested on the shoulders of returning Joel Embiid. After losing the first two at Madison Square Garden, they also had their home support in the back. But the Knicks' bench had a different idea.
The New York Knicks' second unit was so dominant that they alone were able to make the difference as they thrashed the 76ers by 108-94 to take a 3-0 lead in the seven-game series. The entire bench of the Knicks outscored Philadelphia's reserves by 29-11 to take them closer to a series victory.
Landry Shamet was the star of the show from the bench for the Knicks. The reserve guard was impressive with 15 points with a +20 plus/minus. He was the best on the floor from either team.
Meantime Jordan Clarkson provided control when the starters were rested. He finished with five assists and four points. Along with them, Mitchell Robinson added six points and had six rebounds with a +16.
Knicks’ head coach Mike Brown was impressed with how his 'fighters' took the opportunity and created a difference between the teams. “They've done a good job of keeping their mind or staying present in whatever we're doing. And it's showing when they go out there and get the opportunity,” he remarked after the game.
On the other hand, the 76ers’ bench only added 11 points when they were expected to lift their star to help them make a comeback.
Along with their bench, Embiid did not have a dominant night as well. He finished with only 18 points and six rebounds after shooting 7-of-17, which was not enough to challenge the 76ers.
Can the Philadelphia 76ers repeat their first-round comeback?
Although they are now on the brink of elimination, the Philadelphia 76ers will surely not lose hope, considering what they were able to achieve in the first round of the postseason.
Against the Boston Celtics, they overcame a 3-1 deficit to advance to the next round. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were the stars for them as they recorded their first-ever comeback of such a margin in the NBA playoffs.
But against the Knicks, they might need more than special performances from their star players. To compete and challenge the third-seeded team, they will need their reserves to put on a show as well.
As they prepare for Game 4 on Monday, they will have to give their all to ensure they do not extend their 24-season streak of not qualifying for a conference final.
What do you think, will the 76ers make another historic comeback? Or the Knicks will enjoy an easy semi-final series win?
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