LeBron James converted a key putback and finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the Philadelphia 76ers nipped the visiting New York Knicks 98-93 on Friday in NBA Cup action.
Philadelphia played without Jaylen Brown (knee), giving Anfernee Simons (21 points on 7-of-11 shooting) a chance to shine in an increased role. Tyrese Maxey led the hosts with 27 points, while VJ Edgecombe hit a clutch 3-pointer and finished with 13 points.
The Sixers have won five of six to begin the campaign.
New York, meanwhile, has lost four of its first six, including a pair of defeats against Philadelphia. Jalen Brunson scored 24 points on 8-of-22 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns notched 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks.
The Sixers led by as many as 11 points early in the fourth quarter before Towns scored on a three-point play, a 3-pointer and a driving layup in a span of two minutes, bringing the visitors within 83-76.
Towns’ 3-pointer with 4:46 to go brought the Knicks within 87-85, and then Brunson’s 3-pointer with 1:32 left gave New York a one-point edge.
However, James answered with a tough fadeaway on the other end to put the Sixers back in front. Following a Brunson miss, Edgecombe beat the shot-clock buzzer with a 3-pointer to make it 94-90.
Brunson split two free throws to make it a one-possession game before James put back Maxey’s airball on the other end with 11.9 seconds to go.
Philadelphia shot 55% from the field in the first quarter and again in the second quarter en route to a 53-44 lead at the break.
Maxey scored five quick points to open the third quarter, helping build a 14-point cushion. However, Brunson scored seven points in a 43-second span during a 10-1 run as New York got within 59-54.
In the final 5 1/2 minutes of the third quarter, Simons knocked down three 3-pointers, two free throws and a tough fadeaway to help the Sixers carry a 77-68 lead into the fourth.
–Field Level Media
