Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because the New York Knicks just pulled off a thrilling 112-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on January 24, 2026, and it’s a game you won’t want to forget! But here’s where it gets controversial: Did the Knicks intentionally foul Joel Embiid on the final play, or was it just a stroke of strategic genius? Let’s dive in.
Fresh off their historic 54-point blowout of the Nets earlier in the week, the Knicks faced a tougher challenge in Philly. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 31 points, while OG Anunoby chipped in 23, proving that New York’s momentum wasn’t slowing down. The Knicks’ 30-point explosion in the third quarter was the turning point, silencing the 76ers’ home crowd and turning Wells Fargo Center into a mini Madison Square Garden. Yes, you heard that right—‘Let’s go, Knicks!’ chants echoed through the arena, a rare sight on the road.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite Joel Embiid’s monster performance (38 points, 11 rebounds), the Sixers couldn’t close the gap. Tyrese Maxey’s late-game airball on a potential game-tying three-pointer was a heartbreaker, especially since he was anticipating an intentional foul that never came. Was it a missed opportunity for Philly, or a tactical win for New York? The debate is on.
The Knicks’ resilience was on full display, with Anunoby and Landry Shamet hitting back-to-back threes to fend off a late-game collapse. Brunson’s leadership was undeniable, as he waved to the crowd after a clutch three-pointer that gave the Knicks an 84-72 lead. Meanwhile, Embiid’s heroic efforts, including a thunderous one-handed dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy, weren’t enough to secure the win.
Here’s the bigger picture: The Knicks, who had lost nine of their previous 11 games before the Nets matchup, have now won two straight. Modest? Sure. But it’s enough to keep the Sixers at bay in the Eastern Conference standings. Bold question for you: Is this the start of a Knicks turnaround, or just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know in the comments!
Embiid’s season-high 46 minutes in an overtime win against Houston just two days prior might have caught up with him, but his 28 first-half points on 10-of-12 shooting showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with. His streak of 30-point games (four straight) and 20-point games (16 straight) is nothing short of impressive. Yet, the question remains: Can the Sixers rely on him to carry the load every night?
Looking ahead, the Knicks host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, while the 76ers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Will New York keep the momentum going, or will Philly bounce back? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure—this game has left us with plenty to talk about. What’s your take on the Knicks’ strategy and the Sixers’ late-game struggles? Sound off below!
