76ers Eliminated as Harris Scores Zero in Game 6 Loss to Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers' season came to a disappointing end on Thursday night, as they fell to the New York Knicks 118-115 in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series. Despite Joel Embiid's 39 points and 13 rebounds, the 76ers were unable to overcome a balanced Knicks attack led by Jalen Brunson's 41 points and 12 assists.

The Knicks started the game hot, opening 6 for 8 from the field and taking a 17-4 lead. They led by as many as 22 points in the first quarter. The 76ers fought back, led by Embiid and Buddy Hield, who scored 20 points including 17 in the first half, but fell short in the end.

Perhaps the most glaring issue for the 76ers was the abysmal performance of Tobias Harris, their second-highest paid player. Harris, who is in the fourth year of a five-year, $180 million contract, scored zero points in 29 minutes of action, shooting 0-2 from the field. The Knicks outscored the 76ers by 10 points during Harris' time on the court, the worst plus-minus of any player in the game.

Harris' scoreless outing was a fitting end to a disappointing series, one in which he averaged just 8.2 points on 33% shooting. His lack of production was a major factor in the 76ers' inability to keep pace with the Knicks, who got strong contributions from the likes of Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby throughout the series.

"This series probably could have went the exact opposite the way it did," said 76ers coach Nick Nurse after the game, lamenting his team's missed opportunities. The Knicks, meanwhile, advance to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Josh Hart's go-ahead 3-pointer with 24.4 seconds left sealed the win for the Knicks. "I was able to get my feet set and just shoot an open uncontested shot," Hart said of his clutch shot. "The fourth quarter was just one big play after the next," added Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

Brunson's performance was historic, as he became the first Knick to score 40 or more points in each of the final three games of a series since Bernard King 40 years ago. He is also the first NBA player to score 40 or more points to close out a series since Michael Jordan for the Chicago Bulls against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989.

The Knicks' win marked the first time they have advanced to the second round of the playoffs in consecutive years since the postseasons from 1992-2000. They will have their hands full with the top-seeded Pacers, who are led by MVP candidate Tyrese Haliburton and defensive stalwart Myles Turner.

The Knicks move on, the 76ers are left to ponder an uncertain future. With Embiid and Tyrese Maxey under contract, the rest of the roster is virtually a blank slate. Harris' massive contract and diminishing production make him a difficult player to move, but it's hard to envision him returning to Philadelphia next season after such a disastrous playoff performance. The 76ers will need to find ways to surround their two young stars with more consistent and reliable supporting talent if they hope to make a deeper playoff run next season.

Key Takeaways

• The 76ers' season ended with a 118-115 loss to the Knicks in Game 6.
• Joel Embiid scored 39 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn't enough.
• Tobias Harris had a scoreless outing, shooting 0-2 from the field.
• The Knicks advance to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
• The 76ers' roster is uncertain, with Harris' contract and production a major concern.