Sixers look to tighten ball pressure and lean on the bench after Game 1 blowout
After a blowout in Game 1, the Sixers plan to tighten on-ball defense, contest the pick-and-roll, and pressure Brunson to slow the Knicks, with Justin Edwards employing Hack-A-Mitch on Mitchell Robinson to disrupt New York’s rhythm. Brunson scored 35 in 31 minutes, underscoring the need for better ball pressure and rim defense. The Bench Mob—led by Kyle Lowry and including Trendon Watford, Jabari Walker, Dalen Terry and Johni Broome—provided energy and voice from the sideline as Philadelphia heads to Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. Nurse was away for a funeral but is expected to coach in New York, as the Sixers seek momentum adjustments to rebound in the series.
