There was a Buddy Hield sighting in Philadelphia, and it nearly wrecked the Knicks in Game 6.
The former Oklahoma star, who had been a non-factor this series, poured in 17 points in the first half to give the 76ers a three-point halftime lead in Philadelphia, negating the Knicks’ fast start.
The Knicks were able to survive Hield’s early onslaught, holding on for a hard-fought 118-115 series-clinching victory.
Hield hit five 3-pointers and was 5-for-7 from the field in the first half in a dominant shooting performance.
Fortunately for the Knicks, they held him to just three points the rest of the way in his 20-point night (6-for-10 from the field).
Early on, it was a tale of two quarters for the Knicks.
Tom Thibodeau’s crew, who once had a 33-11 lead, still finished the first quarter up 36-22, but were outscored 32-15 in the second quarter.
The Knicks fought back in the second half, winning the third quarter (32-29) and the fourth stanza (35-32) to eke out the clinching victory.
The Pacers are up next for the Knicks. Game 1 is Monday night.