The second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs rolled on with two Game 2 matchups on Wednesday. The New York Knicks managed to fend off the Philadelphia 76ers, who were missing star player Joel Embiid, securing a 108-102 victory and taking a 2-0 lead in their series. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs delivered a commanding performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, cruising to a 133-95 triumph to level their series at 1-1.
While the Spurs made a strong comeback, the 76ers find themselves in a precarious position as the series heads to Philadelphia. Let’s delve into the standout performances and disappointments from Wednesday night’s games.
Loser: 76ers go ice cold in fourth
Sixers failed to close out Game 2 without Joel Embiid
For the initial three quarters, the 76ers displayed impressive shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 50% (12-24) of their 3-point attempts. Paul George was a standout, sinking five on his own, which kept Philadelphia narrowly ahead of the Knicks, 90-89, as they entered the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled from long range, shooting a mere 26.3% through three quarters. Despite Embiid’s absence due to hip and ankle injuries, Philadelphia’s shooting prowess kept them competitive.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the fourth quarter. The Sixers’ offense froze, reminiscent of a sudden cold front sweeping through Madison Square Garden. Their shooting plummeted to 21.1% from the field, managing only 1 of 10 from beyond the arc. The sharp-shooting that sustained them earlier vanished, underscoring just how crucial Embiid’s presence is for the team. Without him, the offensive burden shifted heavily onto Tyrese Maxey, who struggled to find his rhythm.
Paul George appeared poised for a standout night but faltered, missing all five of his shots in the final quarter. Alongside VJ Edgecombe, who also went scoreless in the last 12 minutes, the duo combined for an ineffective 0 of 9 from the field. Despite getting open looks and even capitalizing on some defensive lapses by Karl-Anthony Towns, the Sixers couldn’t convert, failing to capitalize on the Knicks’ five turnovers in the final period.
Now trailing 2-0, the Sixers might look back on this game as a missed opportunity to snatch a road victory. Numerous chances to secure a win slipped through their fingers, leaving them to regroup as the series continues. — Jasmyn Wimbish
Winner: Knicks in crunch time
New York still knows how to win a close game
Before Wednesday night, the Knicks won their last four games by an average of 33.2 points. They completely dominated the Hawks in the first round, and did the same in Game 1 of this series against the Sixers. In all those games, by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, several of New York’s starters didn’t even need to check into the game.
That wasn’t the case in Game 2. Philadelphia, despite being without Embiid, led after the first three quarters and was still in striking distance until the final few possessions. The Sixers will be kicking themselves for that loss, but New York has to feel good about how it pulled out the win. Jalen Brunson put on his Mr. Clutch cape again down the stretch of that game as the Knicks outmuscled the Sixers down the stretch in a game that probably shouldn’t have been that close given Embiid’s absence.
A win is a win, though, and these are the types of wins a championship team needs to have under its belt. The Knicks blitzed Maxey, who had an uncharacteristic six turnovers, and practically dared everyone around him to beat them. It worked. The fourth quarter was the culmination of that effort, as Philly scored only 12 points and finished with 18 turnovers, a product of New York’s cumulative physicality on defense. And while it may not be as sterling a win as their previous four, the Knicks are now two wins away from heading back to the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year. — Jasmyn Wimbish
Winner: Spurs’ offensive balance
San Antonio blasted the Wolves with a widespread attack
After Victor Wembanyama only scored 11 points in Game 1, it was understandable to think he had to do more offensively if San Antonio was going to win Game 2. Well, he did more. But nothing crazy. Wemby scored 19 points on 15 shots in 25 minutes — one of eight Spurs to score at least nine points in at least 15 minutes. This is what you call a balanced offensive effort.
All told, the Spurs put up 50/41/82 shooting splits and absolutely smothered Minnesota defensively. This was never a game, and it wasn’t surprising after the Wolves took Game 1. The Spurs are the only team as deep as the Oklahoma City Thunder that can play this kind of defense and beat you with this much balance. The energy was off the charts from the opening tip.
The Spurs led by 49 points at one point, for crying out loud. Wembanyama didn’t have to play in the fourth quarter. Nobody had to play more than 26 minutes. This is how you respond to a surprising loss in a series opener as the favorite. — Brad Botkin
Winner: Timberwolves get their split
Minnesota has to feel good going home tied 1-1
Look, the Wolves can throw this game out the window and go back home for Game 3 knowing they did their job by spitting the opening two on the road. They have stolen home-court in this series despite Ayo Dosunmu missing Game 1, Donte DiVincenzo, of course, being done for the postseason, and Anthony Edwards coming off the bench on a minutes restriction.
Personally, I think the Wolves were lucky to get out of San Antonio with a split. Champagnie had a wide-open look to win Game 1 in a game where Wembanyama and Fox combined to go 10 for 31 overall and 0 for 12 from 3. That wasn’t going to happen in two straight games, and it’s not likely to happen again in the series.
So again, if you’re the Wolves, you throw Game 2 away and thank your lucky stars that you escaped with Game 1. You’re now in a five-game series with home-court advantage in your favor. Given the injuries you’re dealing with and the monster that is the Spurs, you cannot ask for anything more. — Brad Botkin
