In an unforgettable Game 5 showdown at Madison Square Garden, the Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a miraculous 112–106 overtime victory against the New York Knicks to keep their playoff hopes alive. Trailing by six with under 30 seconds left in regulation, the Sixers stunned the Knicks and their fans with a last-second flurry led by Tyrese Maxey, who poured in a career-high 46 points. The win narrowed New York’s series lead to 3–2, with Game 6 set to take place in Philadelphia.
76ers Player Stats & Analysis
Tyrese Maxey
- Points: 46 (career high)
- FG: 17-30
- 3PT: 7-12
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 9
- Clutch Highlight: 34-foot three-pointer to tie the game with 8 seconds left
Maxey delivered a signature playoff performance that will be remembered in Philly sports lore. He was relentless in attack, efficient from deep, and fearless in crunch time — especially during his seven-point burst in the final 25 seconds.
Joel Embiid
Despite clearly laboring due to a knee issue, Embiid recorded a 19-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. His impact on defense, including four blocks, helped anchor the Sixers even when his offensive mobility was limited.
Other Key Contributors
- Tobias Harris: 19 points (7-11 FG), 8 rebounds, calm under pressure
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: 14 points off the bench, slashing energy
- Kyle Lowry: 5 assists, 2 steals, provided veteran stability in the fourth quarter and overtime
Knicks Player Stats & Breakdown
Jalen Brunson
Brunson once again carried the offensive load for New York, scoring 40 points on 14-of-26 shooting. He kept the Knicks in control for most of the second half but ran out of steam in overtime, with his teammates unable to offer much help late.
Supporting Cast (Key Stats)
| Player | Points | FG | Rebounds | Assists |
| OG Anunoby | 12 | 5-10 | 7 | 2 |
| Josh Hart | 9 | 4-9 | 10 | 3 |
| Donte DiVincenzo | 5 | 5 | 1-7 (3PT) | 2 |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | 4 | 4 | 2-3 | 1 |
The Knicks’ offense outside of Brunson was stagnant late in the game. DiVincenzo’s off-night from beyond the arc limited spacing, while Hart and OG did their part on the boards but failed to slow down Maxey or force turnovers.
Team Stats Comparison
| Stat | 76ers | Knicks |
| Field Goal % | 46.2% (42/91) | 46.5% (40/86) |
| 3-Point % | 38.5% (15/39) | 27.8% (10/36) |
| Free Throw % | 68.4% | 66.7% |
| Total Rebounds | 46 | 40 |
| Assists | 28 | 19 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 14 |
| Blocks | 7 | 3 |
Philadelphia edged the Knicks in rebounds, ball movement, and shot-making from deep — key categories that helped them win despite trailing late.
Key Moments That Defined The Game
- 1st Half: The Sixers started hot, but the Knicks rallied with a strong 2nd quarter run, taking a 55–53 lead into halftime.
- Final Minute of Regulation: With the Knicks up 96–104, Tyrese Maxey hit a deep three, stole an inbound pass, and drew a foul on a fast break three, converting all free throws to tie the game.
- Overtime: The 76ers opened with a 9–3 run, including a big three from Harris and a Maxey floater, sealing the emotional comeback.
Historical & Rivalry Context
This is the first playoff matchup between the 76ers and Knicks in over two decades, and the series has delivered everything fans hoped for: physical defense, late-game drama, and breakout stars. Historically, New York has the edge in postseason meetings, but the Sixers now have a chance to push the series to a Game 7 on home court — something few expected after going down 3–1.
Social Buzz & Fan Reactions
Twitter/X and TikTok were flooded with reactions after Maxey’s heroics.
- “Tyrese Maxey is now a Philly legend.”
- “That’s an all-time Madison Square Garden moment… and it wasn’t even by a Knick.”
- “I can’t believe the Knicks blew that. Unreal.”
The game-ending sequence hit over 2M views on NBA’s official TikTok within an hour, trending across all major platforms.
Expert Analysis
- Shaquille O’Neal: “That’s the kind of game that builds a franchise centerpiece. Maxey’s not just a piece — he’s the guy.”
- Stephen A. Smith: “A meltdown of historic proportions. The Knicks blew it. No other way to say it.”
- Doris Burke: “Even with a limp, Embiid’s decision-making changed the game. He passed out of doubles like a seasoned point guard.”
What’s Next: Game 6 Outlook
With the series now 3–2, Game 6 heads to Philadelphia — and the pressure is squarely on the Knicks. The Sixers have the momentum, crowd support, and now a psychological edge after pulling off one of the biggest playoff comebacks of the year.
Key Storylines:
- Can Maxey repeat his Game 5 brilliance?
- Will Embiid’s knee hold up under increased minutes?
- Can the Knicks regain their composure and offensive flow?
Final Thoughts
Game 5 delivered more than just stats, it brought a franchise moment, a Garden heartbreak, and a playoff narrative twist. Tyrese Maxey’s emergence has changed the calculus of this series, and with the Sixers coming home for Game 6, this matchup is far from over.