New York Knicks coach Mike Brown made his feelings clear on the Philadelphia 76ers prior to Game 1.
The Philadelphia 76ers are facing off against the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics in seven games to advance while the Knicks took care of business against the Atlanta Hawks in six games. Despite Philadelphia being the No. 7 seed compared to the No. 3-seeded New York, Knicks coach Mike Brown isn't taking any chances at underestimating the 76ers.
Prior to Game 1 on Monday, Brown made his feelings clear on the Sixers.
"A lot of people when they look at this, they see 7 vs 3... When the Sixers were healthy, they were on pace to be a 60-win team," Brown said, per Derek Bodner. "They're completely healthy. This is going to be a tough series."
Brown is spot on with this remark.
The 76ers were unable to stay healthy during the regular season but returned to full strength at the perfect time. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey missed significant time during the 82-game season while Paul George served a 25-game suspension.
George and Maxey were, thankfully, ready for the start of the series versus the Celtics. Meanwhile, Embiid returned for Game 4 and beyond, taking control of each matchup he participated in.
The hope is Embiid will be able to do the same against the Knicks.
However, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson highlight a much more intimidating frontcourt than the Celtics had to throw at Embiid. With Game 1 tipping off Monday, the Knicks' approach to slowing down the seven-time All-Star will soon be revealed.
Regardless of how Brown and company decide to approach guarding Embiid, the 76ers have proven they need to be viewed as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.
Outside of Embiid, Maxey, George, V.J. Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Quentin Grimes are each capable of contributing at a high level on both ends of the floor.
From the 76ers' perspective, the Knicks are the No. 3 seed for a reason, and it's clear they're fighting an uphill battle once again.
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