Paul George Explains 76ers’ Late Collapse in Game 2 Loss to Knicks

For much of Game 2 against the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers appeared capable of stealing a crucial road victory despite playing without injured star Joel Embiid. Through three quarters, the 76ers matched New York’s intensity and remained within striking distance at Madison Square Garden.

Everything changed in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia’s offense stalled at the worst possible moment, allowing the Knicks to pull away late and secure a 108-102 victory that gave New York a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Veteran forward Paul George acknowledged afterward that the 76ers simply lost momentum down the stretch. After helping Philadelphia stay competitive early in the game, George struggled in the final period as the team managed only 12 fourth-quarter points.

Although the loss placed the 76ers in a difficult position heading back to Philadelphia, George emphasized that the team still saw positives in its overall performance. With the series shifting to home court, Philadelphia believes there are lessons it can build upon despite the disappointing finish.

1. Fourth-Quarter Offense Falls Apart

Philadelphia entered the final quarter still very much within reach of victory after competing effectively for most of the night. The 76ers defended with energy, controlled stretches of the pace, and avoided the type of early collapse that hurt them in Game 1. However, the offense completely cooled off late in the game. The 76ers were outscored 19-12 in the fourth quarter, struggling to generate quality looks as New York tightened its defensive pressure in the closing minutes. George admitted after the game that fatigue likely played a major role in the team’s offensive decline. According to the veteran forward, the 76ers appeared to run out of energy late, making it difficult to create easy scoring opportunities when they were needed most. Without Joel Embiid available to anchor the offense, Philadelphia lacked a dependable late-game option capable of stabilizing possessions under pressure. The Knicks capitalized on that weakness, using their defensive physicality to close the game with greater composure and execution.

2. George Starts Strong But Fades Late

George opened the game aggressively and looked poised for a major offensive night. He scored 11 points early while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, helping Philadelphia establish confidence against a Knicks team energized by its home crowd. As the game progressed, however, New York’s defense became more disruptive. George struggled to maintain the same offensive rhythm, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Knicks forced Philadelphia into difficult half-court possessions. The veteran forward missed all five of his field-goal attempts during the final period, reflecting the broader offensive issues that affected the entire team. Philadelphia’s spacing deteriorated late, and the 76ers were unable to consistently attack the basket or create open perimeter shots. Despite his difficult finish, George maintained a relatively optimistic outlook after the game. He pointed to the team’s defensive effort as a positive sign and suggested the 76ers were closer to competing successfully than the final result may have indicated.

3. 76ers Search For Answers Before Game 3

Although Philadelphia now trails 2-0 in the series, the 76ers understand the importance of returning home with confidence rather than frustration. Game 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena could determine whether the series remains competitive or shifts fully in New York’s favor. George emphasized that the team believed it played solid defense for most of Game 2. Outside of the final quarter, the 76ers largely succeeded in limiting New York’s offensive rhythm and forced the Knicks into contested possessions throughout long stretches of the game. Still, the offensive issues remain impossible to ignore. Without Embiid’s presence, Philadelphia must find more consistent scoring options and improve its late-game execution if it hopes to challenge a balanced Knicks lineup that continues to receive contributions from multiple players. The 76ers also face mounting pressure to protect home court immediately. Falling behind 3-0 would place Philadelphia in an almost impossible situation historically, making Friday’s Game 3 one of the franchise’s most important contests of the season.