Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks, NBA Playoffs April 28, 2024

The 76ers (1-2) have a chance for revenge in their first-round game against the New York Knicks (2-1) in a matinee matchup in South Philadelphia on Sunday.

After New York took care of home court in Games 1 and 2, the Sixers got their revenge with a 125-114 win for Philadelphia in Game 3 on Thursday.

Joel Embiid delivered a historic performance in the win, scoring a playoff career-high 50 points on just 19 shots (13-19 FG, 5-7 3FG, 19-21 FT).

Embiid, recovering from an injury and overcoming illness, spoke after the game about his willingness to overcome adversity.

“I just love playing the game – I want to be on the floor as much as possible,” Embiid said. “I’m not a quitter. I will continue to fight through everything.”

Tyrese Maxey shone again with 25 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

Nick Nurse praised his star duo's growth and collaboration on Friday:

“I know they make a good tandem. They are both really great people. They both care very much. They are both superstars. They’re in this boat together.”

Embiid and Maxey are the highest scoring duo in these playoffs so far, with Embiid leading the NBA in playoff scoring (37.7 ppg) and Maxey being the fourth-highest playoff scorer (31.0 ppg).

Leading the bench in Game 3 was Cam Payne, who was called up before Game 3 after just three minutes of action in the series. He scored 11 points in his 16 minutes.

“He’s just so positive,” Maxey said of Payne’s performance. “Everyone says I’m positive, but he’s extremely positive. He's jumping around and having a great time. And he's always loud on the bench. We appreciate him for being who he was tonight.”

After Sunday's game, the series will move back to New York City, where the Sixers and Knicks will meet for game five on Tuesday.

Jalen Brunson led New York in Game 3, recording a double-double with 39 points and 13 assists. Brunson shot 13 of 27 from the field, 3 of 7 from distance and 10 of 12 from the foul line.

Josh Hart continued to shine in the series with 20 points (including 4-for-8 shooting from long range), six rebounds and six assists. Hart is shooting 52.2% from 3-point territory in the series.

Brunson leads the Knicks in scoring (28.3 ppg) and sharing (8.7 apg) so far in the playoffs, while Hart leads New York in rebounding (11.3 rpg) and steals (1.3 spg).

76ERS-KNICKS INJURY REPORT

De'Anthony Melton (spine) returned to the active roster for the first time in the playoffs for Game 3. He is not on the injury report for Game 4.

Embiid (recovering from a left knee injury) is questionable and Robert Covington (left knee bruise) is out for Philadelphia.

For New York, Mitchell Robinson (left ankle sprain) is questionable, while Julius Randle (right shoulder surgery) is out.

THE TOP PERFORMANCES ON THURSDAY

Payne on bringing energy as a bench player:

“Energy costs nothing. I got the crowd pumped up tonight. As humans, we feed on energy. We feed on trust. Bank people – that’s our job… I love having fun.”

Sunday's Game 4 matinee is at 1:00 p.m. EDT in South Philadelphia.