2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings: Tyrese Maxey – 11 VJ Edgecombe – 2 Andre Drummond – 2 Paul George – 2 Dominick Barlow – 1 Adem Bona – 1 Justin Edwards – 1 Joel Embiid – 1 Quentin Grimes – 1 Jared
McCain – 1 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the New York Knicks in a thriller at Madison Square Garden on Friday, ending the home team’s seven-game winning streak with a 116- 107 victory.
The Sixers entered the matchup without the services of Joel Embiid (illness/knee), but saw the return of Tyrese Maxey from his two-game absence (illness).
The Sixers hoped to shake off the sour taste in their mouths from Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Hawks and subsequent online “feud” with the referees.
The talent-filled Sixers backcourt accomplished just that with another clutch performance and finish.
With notable help from Dominick Barlow, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona and Jared McCain, the Sixers were able to fight through a physical Knicks team in a war of attrition.
Let’s see how the stars shined with Bell Ringer.
Tyrese Maxey: 30 points, 6-of-12 3PT, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Tyrese missed the last two games due to illness but his performance against the Knicks showed no fatigue. He got the three going early with a couple from deep and a floater in the first quarter and never looked back. He was crucial in keeping pace with the Knicks in the second quarter. He added another three, a step-back midrange jumper, and a slam off an interception before halftime.
Although the scoring slowed down in the second half, he would hit crucial shots in the fourth that helped the Sixers hold onto their tight lead. His playmaking helped open up opportunities for his teammates, and his defense continues to cash in for a couple steals or deflections a game. His trust in Edgecombe was evident, as throughout the night he dished the ball to the rookie when he was doubled, and more often than not, the right play was made.
VJ Edgecombe: 23 points, 10-of-18 FG, 3-of-6 3PT 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Welcome to MSG, VJ Edgecombe. After a slow first half, the rookie put his imprint on the game when it mattered most. In the third quarter, Edgecombe was defending Jalen Brunson the best we have seen from anybody in the league. He caused havoc on defense and converted from all over the court on offense. He only missed one shot and showcased his improvements with his pull up in the midrange.
He kept it going in the fourth quarter, putting together a final three minutes for the ages given the fact he has never played in Madison Square Garden in the NBA — or ever. He would drain a pull up from the free throw line and then drain a deep three the very next possession. Later in crunch time, he threw down a vicious put-back slam and a couple plays later, he stole a loose ball which led to a dagger three from Maxey.
In what was his most well rounded performance of his young career, his most impactful effort came on the defensive end guarding Jalen Brunson. His physicality and balance was a perfect match for the Knicks star, and forced him to give the ball up towards the end of the game.
