Kyle Lowry was asked about Josh Hart’s rebounding abilities, but he took a different tack in his answer than Batum.
“He went to Villanova, that’s why,” he told DiGiovanni on April 21.
Lowry is a former Wildcat himself, as are three members of New York’s starting five: Brunson, Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.
The six-time All-star punched junior Tyrese Maxey in Game 1, finishing with 18 points. He’s been a “Knick killer” for a long time and will have to continue to be one if Philadelphia wants to have a chance.
Their greatest hope still lies in the availability of Joel Embiid, who is listed as questionable for Game 2.
But even in this case, New York seems prepared for the task of containing the reigning MVP.