Stephen A. Smith thinks the Knicks WILL GO UP 2-0 vs. Joel Embiid and the 76ers | First Take

ESPN

22 Apr 202408:13

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

00:00

🏀 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.

05:01

🤔 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

Joel Embiid is a professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. In the script, his health status is a central concern as he landed awkwardly on his left leg during a game, which led to previous injuries. His potential absence or limited performance due to injury significantly impacts the team's strategy and the game's outcome, making him a key figure in the discussion.

💡76ers

The 76ers, also known as the Philadelphia 76ers, are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia. They are a central team in the discussion, with their game performance, player health, and strategy being a focal point. The script discusses their recent game against the Knicks and the implications of Embiid's injury on their performance.

💡Knicks

The Knicks refer to the New York Knicks, another professional basketball team in the NBA. In the context of the script, they are the opponents of the 76ers and are discussed in terms of their gameplay, particularly their offensive rebounds and the challenge they pose to the 76ers.

💡Injury

Injury is a critical concept in the script as it directly affects the playing status and performance of key players like Joel Embiid. It is discussed in terms of its impact on the game dynamics, team strategies, and the psychological effect on both the injured player and the team.

💡Offensive Rebounds

Offensive rebounds are a basketball term referring to when a team regains possession of the ball after a missed shot. In the script, the Knicks' high number of offensive rebounds is highlighted as a significant factor in their gameplay, providing them with additional scoring opportunities.

💡Jaylen Brunson

Jaylen Brunson is a professional basketball player for the New York Knicks. The script suggests that he is expected to have a strong performance in the game, with previous struggles in shooting being overcome. His role is pivotal in the Knicks' strategy and potential victory.

💡Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson is a professional basketball player who also plays for the New York Knicks. The script emphasizes his contribution to the game through rebounds and blocks, despite not being a high scorer. His defensive presence is considered crucial in challenging opponents like Joel Embiid.

💡Durability

Durability in the context of the script refers to the ability of a player to withstand the rigors of the game without incurring injuries. It is tied to the health status of Joel Embiid, where concerns are raised about his knee injury and its impact on his performance and the 76ers' chances in the series.

💡Game Strategy

Game strategy involves the tactical approach a team takes during a game. The script discusses how the 76ers need to adjust their strategy in light of Embiid's injury, emphasizing the need for other players to step up and contribute more on the court.

💡Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey is a professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers. The script suggests that he may need to play a more significant role in the game due to Embiid's injury, highlighting the importance of his contribution to the team's success.

💡Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom is a former professional basketball player who is referenced in the script as an example of a player who had to return home to recover from an injury. The mention of Odom serves as a suggestion that perhaps Embiid should also consider resting to fully recover, emphasizing the importance of player health in the context of a playoff series.

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.