3 observations after Knicks crush Sixers, easily secure season series

3 observations after Knicks crush Sixers, easily secure season series originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

NEW YORK — The Sixers didn’t get anywhere near a two-game mini-series sweep over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

New York secured a split by crushing the Sixers on Tuesday night, earning a 106-79 win and moving to 38-27 this season.

Josh Hart notched a big-time triple-double with 20 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Jalen Brunson had 20 points and nine assists.

Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 19 points and six rebounds. Tyrese Maxey scored 17 points and dished out four assists.

The 36-29 Sixers were without Joel Embiid (left knee meniscus procedure), De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine bone stress) and Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise).New York’s Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson remained out.

Embiid, who’s been sidelined since the Sixers’ Jan. 30 loss to the Warriors, said on Feb. 29 that he plans to return this season. Asked pregame Tuesday if he had any updates on Embiid’s progress, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse didn’t share much.

“Not really as far as his return,” Nurse said. “I think it’s been pretty widely reported that he has been on the court. I haven’t seen him for a few days.”

The Sixers will travel to Milwaukee and face the Bucks on Thursday night. They dropped to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings Tuesday with the Pacers’ win over the Thunder.

Here are observations on the Sixers’ blowout loss to the Knicks:

Maxey the only Sixer on the money in early going

Maxey came back after missing the past four games because of a concussion. OG Anunoby also returned from an extended absence with an elbow injury.

Anunoby hit a baseline jumper over Tobias Harris on his first shot and the Knicks were the sharper team to start. Mo Bamba came out high to defend Brunson in the pick-and-roll and the Knicks’ All-Star guard passed to Isaiah Hartenstein, who rumbled in for a dunk.

Fresh off a 79-73 victory Sunday, the Sixers…