Stephen A. Smith thinks the Knicks WILL GO UP 2-0 vs. Joel Embiid and the 76ers | First Take
Summary
TLDRIn the aftermath of a thrilling NBA game where the Knicks narrowly defeated the 76ers, the focus shifts to Joel Embiid's health. Embiid, who recently returned from a torn meniscus, injured his left leg during a second-quarter dunk. As the teams prepare for game two, analysts debate the potential impact of his questionable status on the 76ers' chances. While some argue the Knicks have the momentum and depth to capitalize on Philadelphia's vulnerability, others suggest that Embiid's presence, even if not at full strength, is crucial for the 76ers to maintain competitiveness in the series.
Takeaways
- 🏀 Joel Embiid's health is a major concern as he landed awkwardly on his left leg after a dunk, raising doubts about his ability to play effectively in the upcoming game.
- 🚑 Given Embiid's recent two-month absence due to a torn meniscus in the same knee, his current status as 'questionable' for the game adds tension to the situation.
- 🗣️ The debate centers on whether the Philadelphia 76ers can manage without Embiid at full strength, particularly emphasizing his significant role and the impact of his potential absence.
- 🛡️ The Knicks are praised for their rebounding performance, notably their 23 offensive rebounds in the last game, highlighting a key area where the Sixers need to improve.
- 🔄 There's a strong focus on the role of other Sixers players like Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr., who are expected to step up, especially in rebounding and defensive efforts.
- 🔥 Deuce McBride's standout performance off the bench is highlighted as a game-changer for the Knicks, underscoring the importance of depth in the roster.
- 🎯 The conversation highlights the pressure on Jaylen Brunson to improve his shooting performance and his crucial role in the Knicks' offensive strategy.
- 📈 There's optimism around the Knicks' ability to leverage their strengths and address their previous game's shortcomings to secure a win in the upcoming game.
- 🏋️♂️ The discussion touches on internal competition within the Knicks, viewing it as beneficial for improving team performance and resilience.
- 🔮 The debate concludes with varying predictions on the game's outcome, reflecting differing opinions on the impact of Embiid's health and the Knicks' tactical adjustments.
Q & A
What was the main story coming out of the game between the Sixers and the Knicks?
-The main story was the health status of Joel Embiid, who landed awkwardly on his left leg during the second quarter dunk.
What injury did Joel Embiid previously have that caused him to miss two months of the season?
-Joel Embiid previously had a torn meniscus in his left knee.
How did the Knicks perform in terms of offensive rebounds in the discussed game?
-The Knicks had a significant number of offensive rebounds, with a count of 20-23, which was a point of concern for the Sixers.
Quentin Grimes, also referred to as 'bride' in the transcript, is mentioned as a significant addition coming off the bench.
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What was the general consensus on Jaylen Brunson's performance in the game?
-It was believed that Jaylen Brunson would not struggle as he did in the previous game, where he was 8 of 20 or 8 of 26.
What was the strategy suggested for the Sixers to counter the Knicks' offensive rebounding?
-The strategy suggested was for other players like Tobias Harris to step up and contribute more to the offensive rebounding since Joel Embiid was not at 100%.
Who are the two big bodies on the Knicks' team mentioned in the transcript?
-The two big bodies on the Knicks' team mentioned are Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson.
What was the sentiment expressed by the Philadelphia 76ers after their win against the Knicks?
-The sentiment was that the 76ers did not feel good after the win, as they were disgusted with how they played and felt they could perform better.
What was the suggestion made regarding Joel Embiid's participation in the subsequent game?
-The suggestion was to possibly sit Joel Embiid out of the next game to allow for more rest and treatment, given his current health condition.
Which player's performance is highlighted as a positive contribution to the Knicks' game?
-De'Aaron Fox, referred to as 'the Swiss army knife,' is highlighted for doing an unbelievable job.
What was the final prediction made about the outcome of the next game between the Knicks and the Sixers?
-The final prediction was mixed, with some suggesting the Knicks would win in a close game, while others believed the Sixers would win, considering it might be the healthiest Embiid would be for the remainder of the series.
Outlines
🏀 Joel Embiid's Health Concerns and Knicks' Rebounding Issues
The main focus of the first paragraph is the health status of Joel Embiid, who landed awkwardly on his left leg after a dunk, causing concern due to his previous injury to the same leg. The discussion also touches on the Knicks' need to improve their rebounding, as they were outrebounded 20-23, which is a significant factor considering Embiid's current condition. The analysts debate the potential outcomes for the game, with some predicting a Knicks' victory due to Embiid's injury and the Sixers' need to address their rebounding issues.
🤔 Strategies for the 76ers and the Knicks' Performance
The second paragraph delves into strategic considerations for the 76ers, especially given Embiid's health issues. There's a debate about whether Embiid should sit out the game to recover further. The conversation highlights the importance of other players stepping up, such as Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, to compensate for Embiid's potential absence. The Knicks' performance is also discussed, with a focus on their need to capitalize on the 76ers' weaknesses and the importance of their big players like Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. The paragraph ends with a suggestion that Embiid might consider resting to ensure a healthier return in future games.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Joel Embiid
💡76ers
💡Knicks
💡Injury
💡Offensive Rebounds
💡Jaylen Brunson
💡Mitchell Robinson
💡Durability
💡Game Strategy
💡Tyrese Maxey
💡Lamar Odom
Highlights
The Sixers defeated the Knicks, but the main story is Joel Embiid's health after landing awkwardly on his left leg.
Embiid missed two months with a torn meniscus in his left knee and is currently listed as questionable for the next game.
Jaylen Brunson's performance is expected to improve after a struggle in the previous game, where he was 8 of 20.
The Knicks' offensive rebounding was a significant factor, with 20-23 offensive rebounds.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson's contributions off the bench were pivotal in the Knicks' performance.
The expectation that the Knicks will perform better in the next game, led by Brunson.
The importance of Tom Thibodeau's locker room leadership and ability to address team issues.
The potential strategy for the 76ers to respect the Knicks' players more and avoid singling out Jaylen Brunson.
Concerns about Embiid's health and his ability to perform at his best due to his knee injury.
The Knicks' dissatisfaction with their own performance despite winning, indicating a dangerous mindset for the 76ers.
The emergence of Quentin Grimes and his significant contribution to the Knicks' game.
Mitchell Robinson's impact on the game with 12 rebounds and 4 blocks, despite scoring only 8 points.
The Knicks' need to maintain their lead and the 76ers' challenge to win four of the next five games.
The suggestion that Embiid may be at his healthiest now and may not improve as the series progresses.
The importance of other 76ers players stepping up, such as Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey, in Embiid's absence.
The potential strategy for the 76ers to rest Embiid and focus on winning games at home with a healthier team.
The comparison of the situation to Lamar Odom's advice in 2010, emphasizing the importance of resting and recovery.
Transcripts
Stephen A's Nicks he's going to be in
the building defeated the Sixers but the
main story coming out of that game is
the health status of Joel embiid who
landed awkwardly on his left leg
following a second quarter dunk embiid
missed two months with a torn miniscus
and his left knee late in the season
he's currently listed as questionable
for tonight's game
two unfortunate all right Shay you're up
first who are you taking tonight to win
game two 76ers or Knicks
man po Joel and be and Sixers just can't
catch a break I mean CU see everything
goes right and then he bangs that knee
up again um and I don't believe Jaylen
Bruns is going to struggle shooting the
ball like he did uh uh on Saturday he
was eight of 20 eight of 26 22 points
the other guys McBride bogy stepped in
obviously Josh Hart that Swiss Army
Knight The Swiss army knife did an
unbelievable job but you know what I'm g
go I'm G throw caution to the win I'm
going say they steal won they have to
steal this ball game and uh uh and win
in order to have a chance in the series
cuz I don't believe they can go down 02
and win four G and win four the next
five games against the Knicks because
the Knicks are too good um they've got
to do a better job of keeping the Knicks
off the glass I was shocked 20 23
offensive rebounds partk that's what
they do minus 22 I understand Joel
embiid being Nick guys G Kelly UB Jr uh
Tobias Harris other guys are gonna have
to get on the glass because you can't be
relied on Joel embiid because he's not
100% so you're going to have to neutral
neiz some of that offensive rebounding
that the Knicks G but but bride coming
off the bench was a huge addition I'm
going to say this is the this is the
game that the Knicks steal I'm going
take them in a very close ball game to
be upset the Knicks
tonight go ahead big perk oh you me hey
Molly first of all look we got to stop
with all this it's Stephen A Nicks and
all this no actually it's perk Nicks
okay Tracy
Mo try to hear that hold hold on talk
about you don't you you're not trying to
here Tracy Morgan said that I was the
governor okay we go start there second
of all let's dive into the Knicks you
know they they left out of that game not
feeling good no yeah they they they
didn't feel good which is a dangerous
thing for the 76ers and if you're a
player a former player current player
and you've been in the locker room with
Tom Tibido he's going to address those
issues right and the great thing about
Tom tibo is you know I'm folling night
capap I'm seeing on Club sh Shay d you
looking for love you out there looking
for love ain't you you looking for love
and what's the best thing about looking
for love you got options you got options
Tom Tibido got options we watch Isaiah
hardenstein he was getting cooked by
Joel andb Mitchell Robertson came in Off
the Bench and saved the day did you
looked at you know Dante he was
struggling from the field all of a
sudden you see McBride come in Off the
Bench and he get hot 21 points the great
thing about the NBA and sports is when
you're able to have the locker room and
guys are able to hold themselves
accountable with their play I tell
people this all the time it's okay to
have competition within the locker room
because like the old people used to say
iron sharpens iron so when I think about
the Nicks and I think about Jaylen
Bronson struggling he's not going to
struggle like that anymore and now if
you're the Philadelphia 76ers you
actually got to respect the others now
you can't just trap Jaylen Bronson so
now he's going to be able to go out
there and be the best version of himself
and Joel embiid is not healthy right he
don't have lift that was the first dunk
that he had since returning from injury
and we saw what happened he's going to
favor it it's going to be a mental thing
I see the Knicks coming out and doing
what they supposed to do led by big body
Brunson and winning this game tonight in
great
fashion well I definitely appreciate the
eloquence and the Brilliance of those
words right there big perk because the
fact of the matter is you're absolutely
right the New York Knicks will win
tonight they will go up 20 and jayen
Brunson and Dante Devan chenzo won't
combine the shoot what the hell was it
11 for 36 that ain't going to happen in
backto back games you can scratch that
dream you heard about that kid dece
McBride I don't know if you heard about
him did you hear about him I heard about
him let me tell you something right now
21 points 57% 58% shooting five or seven
from three-point range started the
season as a third Stringer but look at
what the brother is doing now the big
boy Mitchell Robinson comes in forget
the eight points how about the 12
rebounds and the four blocks we going to
pay attention to that right now because
that kind of stuff matters and I'm
looking at it and just like you said the
New York Knicks didn't depart from that
game happy that's bad news for the
Philadelphia 76ers because even though
they won the game they don't necessarily
feel like they won the game because they
were disgusted with how they played
because they know they could play better
on top of that Joel andb gets hurt and
I'm telling you right now this kid Maxi
is something special he going to have to
come save today maybe Tobias Harris or
somebody else or cly Uber and somebody
going to have to step up but maybe
they'll save that for Philly at the
Garden tonight game two sh Shay big perk
with your boy sitting cour side I mean
the New York Knicks are going to go up
20 20 it goes up 20 and then the Sixers
will have the daunting task of having to
win four of the next five in order to
win this series which ain't gonna happen
this is where you know the reason why I
I think I'm taking the Sixers is that
you guys are right joelan beid is not
healthy but he's not going to get
healthy as the series progress so I'm
taking this as his best chance this
might be the best he's going to feel
outside of game one in which they had an
opportunity late in the ball game to
steal the game but Josh Hart made big
three after big three and so did OG
anobi so this is why I'm taking the
sixes because I believe this is the
healthiest and he's not healthy by any
stretch but I do believe this is the
healthiest he's going to beat because
that knee is not going to get healthier
he's not going to be able to condition
anymore so basically he's just playing
the games and so how much can he play
and the throw those because the thing
that they have the Knicks they got two
big bodies they got hardenstein and they
got Mitchell Robinson and Mitchell
Robinson is not going to give you a
whole lot of points but it was his
presence his length that challenged Joel
embiid it was his offensive rebounding
that kept giving the niick second chance
opportunity to put points on the board
so I'm counting on UB Jr and Tobias
Harris Tyrese Max is going to be tyres
Ma it's obvious right that the
Philadelphia 76ers they're not going to
sit Joel and be out okay I get that I'm
past that stage now I would think if I'm
the Philadelphia 76ers set them out
tonight okay let the chips fall where
they may and then you go back to Philly
with him with a couple more days of rest
and now you're at the crib and now you
just have to do your job of winning two
at home I would really consider that
because like Nick nurse was saying you
know basically he's getting you know
reeval
on the clock right and it's it's hard to
really get treatment on the road when
you're not not at home huh I I would
tell you Shannon I would tell Joel and B
Joel and B needs a call from Lamar odm
2010 they going up against big perk in
the Celtics and Lamar odm is like we
going back to the crib we going back to
the crib that's all he kept saying right
and sure enough they went back to the
crib and they ultimately were able to
close out the deal because obviously
y'all want to 100% healthy Joel and B
that's a very good point big perk makes
you going back to the crib you know I'm
saying after tonight's game yeah maybe
just maybe you should wait and sit out
this game cuz you ain't GNA win yeah
that's what you hoping you hoping you
got oh oh perk you know what perk you
make a valid point you know he like put
the fing perk you make a valid boy there
you know Jo the be you should know he's
not sitting out he might sit out sh he
might have it's just a suggestion it's
just a suggestion just a friendly
suggestion
[Music]
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