The New York Knicks are currently having an impressive run in the playoffs after picking up a 2-0 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. For NBA legend Magic Johnson, though, the real hero in Game 2 isn’t Jalen Brunson or Donte DiVincenzo at all.
In that particular game, the Knicks returned home with a 104-101 victory over Philadelphia. Josh Hart dropped 21 points and 15 rebounds to pad the stat sheet against the Sixers. Even though he made just 27 percent of his field goals, All-Star guard Jalen Brunson still finished the game with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Donte DiVincenzo also scored 19 points, including making 50% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
The Sixers, however, had Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 35 points and 10 assists. All-Star big man Joel Embiid came back after a scary touchdown knocked him out in Game 1 and had 34 points and 10 rebounds. And aside from Tobias Harris’ 10 points, no other player in Philly’s lineup scored in double figures that night.
Fortunately, the Knicks were able to fend off a late push by the Sixers, thanks to DiVincenzo recovering the game-winning shot from beyond the perimeter. As a result, the Knicks are ahead by two games and have a good chance of advancing to the next round.
Magic Johnson calls New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein the real hero in Game 2 win over Philadelphia 76ers
After the game, several personalities were in awe of how the Knicks took Game 2 straight from the Sixers’ hands. But unlike everyone else, Lakers legend Magic Johnson gave him flowers to center Isaiah Hartenstein calling him the true hero of the game:
“Isaiah Hartenstein is the Knicks’ hero with his 14-point, 8-rebound performance! He had both the game-winning offensive rebound that led to DiVincenzo’s game-winning 3 AND the block on Tyrese Maxey that secured the win! What a wild, fun and exciting playoff game!!” Johnson tweeted.