Madison Square Garden—-In the heart of New York City, tension hung heavy as the Knicks faced a precarious situation on their home court. An eight-point lead had vanished into thin air, leaving the Knicks’ faithful in Madison Square Garden holding their breath, fearing the worst.
Reflecting on the moment, Donte DiVincenzo admitted, “I mean, it wasn’t a good feeling.”
But in a sudden turn of events, the Garden erupted with euphoria and joy.
With just 13 seconds left on the clock in regulation, DiVincenzo rose to the occasion, sinking a clutch 3-pointer amidst chaos, propelling New York to a thrilling 104-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This win catapulted the Knicks to a commanding 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series, defying the odds in dramatic fashion.
The Knicks found themselves trailing by five points in the dying moments of the game before staging a remarkable comeback, ignited by Jalen Brunson’s crucial shot. Brunson’s deep 3-pointer, despite a rough shooting night, breathed new life into the Knickerbockers hopes, narrowing the gap to 101-99 with just 27 ticks remaining.
Josh Hart’s steal from Tyrese Maxey set the stage for DiVincenzo’s late heroics. Although his initial attempt from beyond the arc missed its mark, a resilient effort from Isaiah Hartenstein and OG Anunoby kept the play alive, eventually finding DiVincenzo for the top of key game-changing shot that put the Knicks ahead 102-101.
“It was crazy, it was hectic, but at that point we had nothing to lose,” Hart remarked. “Got to get as physical as we can and it panned out.”
The Knicks’ defense held firm in the final seconds, with Hartenstein denying Maxey’s drive and Anunoby securing crucial free throws. Despite a last-ditch effort from Joel Embiid, whose 3-pointer missed its mark as time expired, the Knicks emerged victorious in a stunning turnaround.
Brunson led the charge with 24 points, showcasing resilience despite shooting struggles. Hart’s all-around performance, boasting 21 points and 15 rebounds, proved instrumental, while DiVincenzo’s 19-point contribution sealed the deal for New York.
This historic comeback marked just the fourth time in the modern NBA era that a team rallied from a five-point deficit in the final 30 seconds of a playoff game, according to Sportradar. Joining the ranks of legendary comebacks, the Knicks etched their name alongside iconic postseason moments.
Maxey’s exceptional display, tallying 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds despite battling illness earlier in the day, showcased his resilience. Embiid’s 34-point effort, coupled with 10 rebounds, highlighted the 76ers’ valiant but ultimately fruitless effort.
Looking ahead to Game 3 in Philadelphia, Embiid remained steadfast in his belief, asserting, “We’re going to win this series.” Despite the setback, the 76ers remained determined to bounce back on their home court.
As the dust settled and the Garden buzzed with celebration, DiVincenzo savored the moment, acknowledging the deafening roar of the crowd. However, the sting of defeat was felt by the 76ers, who now face an uphill battle to turn the tide in their favor.
With the series poised for a pivotal clash in Philadelphia, the Knicks will look to carry their momentum forward, buoyed by the resilience and determination that defined their remarkable comeback victory.
