The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers is one of the most storied matchups in NBA history. Both teams are rooted in basketball-rich cities with passionate fan bases, and their contests over the years have been marked by intensity, drama, and stellar individual performances. This article will take a deep dive into the statistics, trends, and key moments that have defined this rivalry, providing an in-depth look at how the Knicks and 76ers have fared against each other, both historically and in recent years.
Historical Overview of the Rivalry
The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers first met on the court in 1949 when the Sixers were still the Syracuse Nationals. Since then, the two teams have played hundreds of games, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance. Over the decades, the rivalry has featured legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, and more recently, Joel Embiid and Julius Randle.
While the rivalry has not always been evenly matched, it has been full of iconic moments, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s when the teams frequently met in the playoffs. Even in regular-season games, matchups between the Knicks and 76ers are always highly anticipated events, with fans and analysts paying close attention to the stats and performances.
Head-to-Head Record
As of the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Knicks and 76ers have faced each other over 450 times in the regular season. Historically, the 76ers hold a slight edge in the all-time series, winning just over 50% of the matchups. However, the rivalry has swung back and forth, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance.
- All-Time Regular Season Record (as of 2024):
- 76ers Wins: 260+
- Knicks Wins: 200+
In playoff matchups, the teams have met multiple times, with the 76ers generally having the upper hand. However, the most iconic playoff series between these two franchises took place in 1984, when the Knicks upset the defending champion 76ers in a five-game series that remains one of the greatest moments in Knicks history.
- Playoff Record:
- 76ers Wins: 6 series
- Knicks Wins: 2 series
Recent Trends: 2020-2024
In the past few seasons, both teams have been competitive in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, after years of struggling, have rebuilt their roster into a playoff contender, while the 76ers, led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, have been one of the top teams in the East.
2023-2024 Season Stats (Knicks vs. 76ers)
During the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Knicks and 76ers played four games against each other. Here are the key stats and insights from their matchups:
- Game 1:
- Date: November 12, 2023
- Final Score: 76ers 105, Knicks 97
- Key Performers:
- Joel Embiid (76ers): 32 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 25 points, 7 assists
- Summary: In this early-season matchup, the 76ers leaned on Embiid’s dominance in the paint to overcome a resilient Knicks team. Despite Brunson’s strong performance, the Knicks struggled to contain the 76ers’ interior play, particularly on the boards.
- Game 2:
- Date: December 20, 2023
- Final Score: Knicks 110, 76ers 102
- Key Performers:
- Julius Randle (Knicks): 27 points, 12 rebounds
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers): 24 points, 8 assists
- Summary: The Knicks bounced back in their second meeting of the season, thanks to an excellent two-way performance by Julius Randle. The team’s defensive strategy to limit Embiid’s touches was successful, and Randle’s double-double led the Knicks to victory.
- Game 3:
- Date: February 10, 2024
- Final Score: 76ers 115, Knicks 109
- Key Performers:
- Joel Embiid (76ers): 38 points, 14 rebounds
- RJ Barrett (Knicks): 22 points, 5 rebounds
- Summary: The third contest of the season was a hard-fought battle, but once again, Joel Embiid proved to be the difference-maker. His dominance on both ends of the floor, particularly in the fourth quarter, helped the 76ers hold off a late Knicks rally.
- Game 4:
- Date: April 3, 2024
- Final Score: 76ers 112, Knicks 108
- Key Performers:
- James Harden (76ers): 28 points, 10 assists
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 31 points, 8 assists
- Summary: In the final game of their regular-season series, James Harden led the way for the 76ers, showcasing his playmaking abilities alongside Embiid’s interior presence. Brunson’s stellar offensive output kept the Knicks competitive, but they ultimately fell short in the closing minutes.
Overall Series Summary (2023-2024):
- 76ers Wins: 3
- Knicks Wins: 1
- Joel Embiid’s Average Stats vs. Knicks: 30.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists
- Julius Randle’s Average Stats vs. 76ers: 22.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Key Statistical Comparisons
1. Offense
- Points Per Game:
- Knicks (2023-2024): 112.1
- 76ers (2023-2024): 114.3
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Knicks: 45.2%
- 76ers: 47.5%
- Three-Point Percentage:
- Knicks: 36.1%
- 76ers: 38.7%
The 76ers have a slight edge in offensive efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. Joel Embiid’s ability to stretch the floor combined with Tyrese Maxey’s improved three-point shooting makes Philadelphia a more versatile offensive team. The Knicks, on the other hand, have relied heavily on Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to create offense, but their three-point shooting lags slightly behind.
2. Defense
- Defensive Rating:
- Knicks: 111.3 (8th in the NBA)
- 76ers: 110.2 (6th in the NBA)
- Blocks Per Game:
- Knicks: 5.0
- 76ers: 6.2
- Steals Per Game:
- Knicks: 7.1
- 76ers: 8.0
Both teams are strong defensively, with the 76ers slightly ahead in terms of defensive rating. The presence of Joel Embiid as a rim protector gives the 76ers an advantage in blocks per game, while Philadelphia’s aggressive perimeter defense results in more steals per game. The Knicks, meanwhile, rely on physical play and strong rebounding to limit opponents’ second-chance points.
3. Rebounding
- Total Rebounds Per Game:
- Knicks: 46.5
- 76ers: 44.3
- Offensive Rebounds Per Game:
- Knicks: 12.2
- 76ers: 9.7
The Knicks are one of the best rebounding teams in the league, largely due to Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson’s work on the boards. They dominate offensive rebounds, which provides them with second-chance opportunities. The 76ers, while not as dominant on the glass, benefit from Embiid’s ability to control the defensive boards.
Key Players to Watch
1. Joel Embiid (76ers)
Joel Embiid is the centerpiece of the 76ers’ game plan, and his ability to dominate both ends of the court is unmatched. His scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking make him a nightmare matchup for the Knicks, who have historically struggled to contain him.
2. Julius Randle (Knicks)
As the leader of the Knicks, Julius Randle’s all-around game is crucial for their success. His ability to score, rebound, and defend will determine how competitive the Knicks can be against Philadelphia.
3. Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Jalen Brunson’s emergence as a premier playmaker and scorer has been key for the Knicks. His ability to break down defenses and create opportunities for teammates makes him a vital player in this matchup.
4. Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
Tyrese Maxey’s speed and scoring ability have made him