How It Happened: A wild contest broke out in Monday’s matinee when the 76ers erased an 18-point deficit and eventually forced two overtime sessions at the Garden. The Knicks managed to hold off a scrappy Philly squad in the 119-113 double overtime victory while snapping a two-game losing skid.
New York held a 15-point lead when Carmelo Anthony went to the bench for some much needed rest in his first action since the two-game layoff, recovering from a sprained right ankle. The 76ers rode the fourth quarter momentum right past the Knicks and even snatched a 3-point lead with 3.4 seconds on the game clock. With Porzingis on the bench with a sore right foot suffered in the third quarter, Anthony rose to the occasion and buried a top of the arc 3-pointer to send the contest to overtime.
Ish Smith scored 16 points in the game and provided some hope to the Philadelphia faithful with an alley-oop toss to Nerlens Noel. At this point, the 76ers created a 104-101 lead with just 1:11 remaining in overtime. The Knicks quickly answered on a 4-0 run capped by an Arron Afflalo jumper from the left wing. However, Robert Covington hit a 3-pointer to tie the game and Anthony’s errant shot forced a second overtime period. To start double overtime, Afflalo scored in the open floor and the Knicks early spurt in the second session was just enough to stave off another comeback from the 76ers. Anthony finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Knick of the Night: Afflalo delivered a prolific scoring performance to lift his squad with Anthony and Porzingis dealing with injury issues. New York’s shooting guard answered the call multiple times down the stretch en route to a 25-point outing.
The Numbers Game: The Knicks hit 25-of-30 shots while the 76ers were plagued by a poor performance at the stripe, only connecting on 13-of-25 (52 percent). News and Notes:Kevin Seraphin did not dress due to a bruised right rib suffered in the Memphis game on Saturday night. X-rays were negative but Seraphin remained sidelined for Monday’s game.
New York improved to 21-18 with Carmelo Anthony in the lineup. Next Up: The Knicks will attempt to take advantage of practice time at MSG Training Center on Tuesday before a home contest against the Jazz on Wednesday night.
