The New York Knicks knew their first-round series against the Sixers would be physical. That physicality ramped up to a dangerous level in Game 3 when Joel Embiid intentionally pulled Mitchell Robinson's legs out from under him.
After Thursday's loss, Embiid defended his actions and said he was trying to protect himself when he caused Robinson to fall. He framed it as if he was avoiding an injury to himself when, in reality, he injured Robinson. Embiid said the Sixers "can get physical too," and "it goes both ways."
New York doesn't need to stoop to Embiid's level in Game 4 and intentionally hurt him. Tom Thibodeau would never advise that even though Robinson's status for Sunday's game is up in the air. Instead, the Knicks need to take Miles McBride's advice.
Miles McBride on Sixers' physicality: "I think we matched it. We didn't go above it and...we let their crowd be in it. I think they were just feeding off of that. So I think we have to come in on Sunday and, from the beginning, throw the first punch & keep throwing them."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 26, 2024
Miles McBride says Knicks need to "throw the first punch" in Game 4
No, Deuce doesn't mean New York should literally throw punches. The Knicks need to be the one to strike first and keep the hits coming. A hot start on the road in the playoffs is a huge boost. Wells Fargo Center is typically a hostile environment, but Knicks fans flooded Philadelphia on Thursday. New York will need that same energy again on Sunday.
Of course, the officiating crew will decide how physical both teams are allowed to be. Maybe the referees will be more inclined to blow their whistles after Robinson's injury. Or maybe the refs will do the opposite. What the Knicks know for sure is that Embiid will do everything he can to draw contact, even if it means faking it.
Legitimately hilarious to watch pic.twitter.com/sM69EAfHWg https://t.co/KVKFakyGyi
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) April 26, 2024
If the officials give Embiid a favorable whistle (and they most likely will), New York must be physical and disciplined. As Isaiah Hartenstein said, limiting Embiid's trips to the free-throw line is the easiest way to take him out of the game. He shot 19-of-21 from the charity stripe in Game 3.
Isaiah Hartenstein on what the Knicks can do to slow down Joel Embiid:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 26, 2024
"The biggest thing is the free throws. That gets him in rhythm." pic.twitter.com/WA7UBaIYg7
The Knicks are one of the toughest teams in the league. They don't give up, and they don't back down. A Game 4 win won't come easy, but especially given what happened in Game 3, you can bet New York will come out swinging on Sunday.