Knicks' Historic Playoff Surge Rattles 76ers and East Power

Knicks Offense Hits Historic Gear as 76ers Scramble: Why This Playoff Matchup Matters in 2026

The New York Knicks just posted a playoff offensive rating north of 130 in Game 2 against the 76ers—numbers not seen in Madison Square Garden since the Ewing era. Their 137-98 rout was more than a win; it was a statement that their system, bench depth, and recent adjustments have vaulted them from pretender to possible conference favorite. On the other side, the 76ers, who finished with the East’s second-best net rating post-All-Star break, suddenly look exposed, lacking answers for both the Knicks’ “Bench Mob” and their evolving perimeter attack.

This series is not just a battle for a conference finals berth. It’s a referendum on roster construction philosophies and the value of role-player flexibility versus superstar-centric lineups. The Knicks’ aggressive midseason moves (adding DiVincenzo and Hartenstein in 2024, plus the late-season emphasis on three-point volume) contrast sharply with Philly’s heavy reliance on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Both teams have top-10 payrolls (Knicks: $187M, 76ers: $181M), but their spending profiles are wildly different—New York spreads its salary across contributors, while Philly’s is top-loaded on Embiid ($53M) and Harris ($39M).

With viewership for NBA Playoffs up 12% year-over-year and gambling handle setting new records—Game 2 alone drew $120M in legal U.S. betting, per ESPN—this matchup is moving needle for more than just die-hard fans. The winner will shape not just the conference finals, but offseason copycat strategies across the league.

Knicks vs. 76ers: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown Exposes Team-Building Contrasts

The data tells the story of two teams built in opposite directions. Here’s how their rotations, tactical profiles, and key player usage compare:

Depth and Bench Impact

The Knicks’ “Bench Mob”—led by Quickley (12.8 PPG), Hartenstein (7.9 REB, 1.4 STL), and Hart (9.4 REB, 1.2 STL off the bench)—has swung every playoff game with pace and physicality. In Game 2, New York’s bench outscored Philly’s 54-19, while out-rebounding their second unit 24-6. This isn’t a fluke: the Knicks rank #1 in bench net rating (+14.3) across all playoff teams, per NBA Advanced Stats.

By contrast, the 76ers’ rotation is razor-thin. Oubre Jr. and Melton have combined for just 18.1 PPG and have negative on/off splits (-5.6 and -3.2, respectively). Montrezl Harrell, a 2024 buyout signing intended to bolster the bench, has logged under 5 MPG.

Star Power vs. Role Fluidity

Joel Embiid’s usage rate (35.8%) is the highest among remaining playoff bigs, but that has come at a cost: Philly’s offensive efficiency drops by 11.2 points per 100 possessions when Embiid sits, per Cleaning the Glass. The Knicks, in contrast, have four players averaging double figures and three others chipping in 7+ PPG—yielding a more resilient scoring profile when top options rest or foul trouble strikes.

Defensive Versatility

The Knicks swarm with switchable defenders (Hart, DiVincenzo, Barrett, Robinson), allowing them to plug holes and adapt mid-game. Philly has struggled to contain perimeter ball-movement, especially when Embiid is drawn out of the paint—opponents are shooting 41.7% from three against Philly, compared to 34.9% against New York.

Playoff Performance: Knicks' Offense Rewrites Records as 76ers Stumble

Game 2 wasn’t just a blowout, it was a statistical anomaly. New York dropped 137 points on 61.2% true shooting, including 19-of-39 from three (48.7%). Their 39 assists on 50 made baskets tied a franchise playoff record. Philly’s defensive rotations broke down repeatedly—New York generated 27 uncontested threes, up from their regular season average of 18.6.

Head-to-Head Metrics (Games 1 & 2)

• Knicks total point differential: +44
• Knicks average assists: 32.5; 76ers: 21.0
• Knicks turnover rate: 8.9%; 76ers: 13.4%
• Fast-break points: Knicks 36, 76ers 17

Embiid posted a 32-12-4 line in Game 2, but the Sixers’ offense cratered when he sat (minus-16 in 8 bench minutes). Tyrese Maxey, after a 38-point opener, was held to 17 on 6-of-18 shooting as the Knicks trapped him aggressively and denied his right hand.

Advanced Matchup Analytics

• Knicks’ lineup of Brunson-Hart-DiVincenzo-Randle-Hartenstein: +28.5 net rating in 24 minutes
• 76ers’ best five-man unit: Embiid-Harris-Melton-Oubre-Maxey: -6.2 net rating in 33 minutes
• Knicks’ pace: up 4.2 possessions per game from regular season

Historically, teams that win their first two home games by double-digits advance 87% of the time (since 1990). New York’s performance is not just dominant, it’s predictive of deep playoff runs.

Injury Wildcards

Mitchell Robinson’s surprise absence (ankle flare-up pre-Game 2) was a test—New York’s backup bigs (Sims, Hartenstein) held their own, combining for 18 rebounds and 4 blocks. Philly, however, lacks a Plan B if Embiid’s knee issues resurface; their defensive rating without him this postseason: 129.3.

Salary Cap, Ticket Prices, and Fan ROI: Value Analysis Beyond the Hardwood

The Knicks’ $187M luxury-tax payroll is the franchise’s highest ever—reflecting a “win-now” mentality that’s paid off in ticket prices (+22% YoY, per StubHub). Courtside seats for Game 2 cleared $7,300, with average resale topping $1,320. Madison Square Garden playoff revenues are projected to surpass $80M if the Knicks reach the Finals.

Philadelphia’s payroll is less flexible. $92M—over 50% of team salary—is tied to Embiid and Harris, constraining their ability to add mid-tier contributors. Season ticket prices rose only 9% in 2026, and Game 2’s average resale was $860, about 35% below New York.

Betting and Merchandise

Knicks futures to win the East have moved from +1000 pre-playoffs to +275 after Game 2, reflecting a surge in public and sharp money. 76ers’ odds drifted from +400 to +1100. Merch sales data from Fanatics show Knicks playoff gear outselling Philly 3:1 since May 1, mirroring the broader spike in New York fan engagement.

“Value for Money” by the Numbers

• Knicks: 8 players with $5M+ salary, all averaging 10+ MPG in playoffs
• 76ers: 5 players in that category; 2 (Harrell, House) not in rotation
• Knicks’ per-dollar playoff win value (salary divided by wins): $31.2M/win
• 76ers: $43.1M/win

New York’s broad-based investment in rotation players is yielding greater on-court returns and fan engagement per dollar spent.

Who Gains Most: Knicks’ Team Model or 76ers’ Star Reliance?

This series is a study in contrasts—and the early edge is decisive.

For Title Contenders and Copycats

Franchises focused on depth, switchable defenders, and multiple ball-handlers should circle this Knicks roster blueprint. Their ability to sustain scoring and defensive intensity through the bench is translating directly to postseason success. For teams with cap space in 2026, the Knicks’ model is a validation to prioritize versatile role players over a shallow “big three” core.

The 76ers’ approach—star-heavy, with limited bench—makes sense when the superstar is both healthy and dominant. But in a league where injuries and foul trouble can swing series, their lack of two-way reserves is a glaring liability.

For Bettors and DFS Players

The Knicks’ rotation stability makes their player props and DFS values less volatile. Brunson, Randle, and Hart consistently outperform projections, while Philly’s production swings wildly with Embiid’s health and foul status.

For Ownership and Front Offices

New York’s playoff success is driving both short-term revenue and long-term brand value. The Garden is once again the league’s most expensive playoff ticket, and secondary market data suggests the Knicks could add $100M+ to franchise valuation with a Finals run. The Sixers, meanwhile, are at a crossroads: maxed-out cap with only a single dominant star.

Evidence-Backed Prediction: Knicks to Conference Finals, Sixers Face Offseason Rethink

The numbers—and recent NBA history—suggest the Knicks’ combination of depth, shooting, and defensive versatility will carry them past the 76ers, likely in five games. Only a vintage Embiid supernova (40+/15+ nightly) can steal games if Philly’s supporting cast remains this anemic. Expect the Knicks’ bench to continue outscoring Philly’s by 15+ PPG, and New York’s three-point volume to stay above 35 attempts per game—a formula that’s proven nearly unbeatable in the 2020s postseason.

The ripple effect: look for at least three other playoff teams (Hawks, Kings, Magic) to pivot toward the Knicks’ model in the 2026 offseason, targeting multi-positional defenders and shot creators rather than maxing out on a third star. The Sixers, barring a miraculous turnaround, will be forced into a hard retool—shopping Tobias Harris and seeking a deeper bench with what little cap flexibility remains.

Bottom line: the Knicks’ system, not just their stars, is winning this chess match. By the time the conference finals tip, expect their approach—not Philly’s—to be the template other contenders seek to copy.

Sources: ESPN, NBA Advanced Stats, StubHub, Fanatics