76ers May Have Finally Found the Answer to Their Knicks Problem

The Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks may be headed for rivalry renewal that hasn’t been seen in quite some time. 

The 76ers are already up 2-0 against the defending champions. This could be a sign that they are ready to get over the hump that is the Knicks. Over the last ten games, the 76ers have only won four of those meetings. That’s a huge problem for a team that the 76ers are going to possibly face come playoff time. It’s a bigger problem than many think. In the last two playoff series, the 76ers were dominated, as the series record is a horrific 8-2. Let’s not forget that this team was swept by the Knicks last season.

As of now, it seems that the Knicks clearly have the 76ers' number. But all that could change now that they have added LeBron James to the equation. He seems to be the Knicks' Kryptonite, as in both matchups, James has almost notched a triple-double in their two victories. In their most recent matchup, James nearly had a 20-point triple-double.

It’s safe to say the 76ers' investment in James was about more than trying to win. It was a design to help get rid of their toughest opponent. He’s not the only player that has a chance to topple the giant in the Knicks. While Joel Embiid has suffered defeat at the hands of their Atlantic division rival, so has Tyrese Maxey. 

It seems Maxey has had enough of losing to them, as he has shot lights out in the two matchups, scoring at least 28 points.  These three are going to be an important part of what the 76ers want to accomplish, and if there’s any indication, they have to go through New York to do it. 

So many things have changed, and the biggest thing besides a roster overhaul is the mentality. The 76ers have a new faith in what they’re fighting for. It’s not just to get some new publicity and drive up sales numbers; it’s to win. Only now has this team started to find easy ways to win that they have never done before. It seems the Knicks are going to be the litmus test for the 76ers, and so far, they are passing with flying colors.

Both matchups saw a 76ers team battle-tested to grit out a tough win, and they have done just that. Now, they’ll have to build on this and show the entire Eastern Conference that they should be afraid of what’s to come.