Sixers drop final game in Abu Dahbi to Knicks (Go Phils)

So long, Abu Dhabi — and not a moment too soon.

The Sixers, still missing a slew of rotation players, were overwhelmed by the New York Knicks in 112-104 loss, dropping both games overseas. The score looks much closer because the Knicks went to a full bench lineup in the second half. The Sixers will now return home to recharge and then prepare for their first home preseason game Friday night against the Orlando Magic.

Joel Embiid, Paul George, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, Trendon Watford and Kyle Lowry

were all unavailable for the Sixers. The offense was yet again led by Tyrese Maxey (16 points) and VJ Edgecombe (eight points). The Knicks were unsurprisingly led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson (14 points).

Here are a few takeaways. (Go Phils.)

First quarter

• It was a good defensive start overall. The Sixers were making crisp rotations and were even competitive on the glass. The lack of three-point shooting though led to fast-break opportunities for the Knicks. The Sixers’ transition defense still needs work.
• Hello and good morning, VJ Edgecombe:

• Edgecombe continues to be assertive, aggressive and keeps making good decisions. The Edgecombe-Maxey backcourt is already playing well off each other and basically carrying the offense.
• Sixers made as many threes in the first quarter as they did in the entire first game. That wasn’t enough to make New York respect the Sixers’ shooters and the Knicks continually packed the paint.
• Both two-way guys looked solid. Dominick Barlow got another start and made a corner three. Jabari Walker had a pair of nice drives that led to baskets and assists.
• The talent disparity was showing by the end of the first quarter and Adem Bona picked up two early fouls. The Knicks opened up a 31-23 lead to close the first.

Second quarter

• OG Anunoby was not having trouble hitting threes. The Knicks’ forward started the game 3-of-5 from deep.
• Another highlight reel play from Edgecombe with an impressive chase-down block of veteran Jordan Clarkson.

• Barlow knocked down another corner jumper off a Kelly Oubre Jr. drive. Unfortunately, Barlow’s foot was on the line, but still good to see Barlow confidently rising up and shooting.
• Edgecombe is missing so many bunnies. He’s able to get into the paint almost at will. He needs to start finishing better, which was considered one of his flaws coming out of Baylor.
• A solid start to Johni Broome’s run first run with a nice little hook shot in the paint and tough rebound on the other end.
• The box score was broken, so there’s not much I can give you by way of stats. Again, the Knicks just had too much talent going up against a Sixers team missing several key contributors. New York took a 59-47 lead into the half, mostly led by Brunson.

Third quarter

• No Maxey to start the third quarter. Kennedy Chandler, who signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Sixers, ran the point. Interesting that two-way player Hunter Sallis did not see action. Walker also replaced Barlow to start the second half. The Knicks rolled out an entire bench unit.
• Nick Nurse said last weekend that he wants Walker to look for opportunities to get downhill and use his strength. There’s been mixed results, but you see what Nurse is talking about. Walker is an interesting player who could have more to his game at just 23 years old.
• Justin Edwards found Edgecombe for a dunk on a nice backdoor cut. Edgecombe has struggled with efficiency, but he’s also the type of player who will find openings when the team is at full (or at least reasonable) strength. He’ll find easier baskets with more playmakers which should help him overall.
• Andre Drummond three. Again, it was a lineup full of deep bench players for New York, but give Drummond credit for a nice stint.
• Drummond tried another. It did not go in.
• Another nice drive from Barlow which drew a foul. The biggest positive development in these two games is that both Barlow and Walker have looked like useful NBA players. It will be interesting to see what they look like when the team is a bit healthier.

Fourth quarter

• Another rough outing for Justin Edwards. You don’t want to overreact, but the second-year wing struggled mightily in the summer league and those struggles have continued into the preseason. It looks like he’s fighting himself a bit out there.
• Malcolm Hill made a nice floater and a trio of threes. The team signed the G League veteran to an Exhibit 10 deal. He finished with 14 points.
• The Sixers will return home for a week of practice before taking on the Magic in preseason action Friday night (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).