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The Philadelphia 76ers are on the brink of playoff elimination heading into Game 5 in Boston
The New York Knicks have had a few days off after taking down CJ McCollum and the Atlanta Hawks. Josh Hart and his team got some rest, but they couldn’t do much preparing for their next opponent, as the Philadelphia 76ers‘ series with the Boston Celtics wasn’t settled.
On Saturday, the Sixers and the Celtics battled in Game 7. Despite being undefeated in past series when up 3-1, the Celtics finally coughed one up. The 76ers completed the comeback, and now they have a second-round date with the Knicks.
On Sunday, the Knicks held a practice session, where they prepared for the 76ers for the first time this postseason. After spending the last six games facing CJ McCollum, Hart knows that the Tyrese Maxey matchup comes with a different gear.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City.
“Just asking Tyrese to slow down a little bit,” Hart joked with reporters. “That’d be nice.”
Since becoming a featured guard for the Sixers, Maxey’s speed has been a handful for defenses. The Knicks know it well, as they face Philly four times per year, and had a playoff series against them two years ago.
“The style defensively is gonna be totally different,” Hart added.
“CJ, he doesn’t have that quick acceleration at his old age, so you can be a little bit more physical with him. He’s an Unc. Tyrese and [VJ] Edgecombe, they’re on the young side. They’re quick, they’re explosive, so there’s definitely a different style of defense. Gonna tell them to slow down a little bit so I can get my hands on them and be physical. It’s a fun matchup.”
Asked Josh Hart about how different it is to go from guarding CJ McCollum to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe:
“Probably just asking Tyrese to slow down a little bit. That’d be nice. The style defensively is gonna be totally different. CJ, he doesn’t have that quick acceleration
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court after the game against the Boston Celtics during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
In 2024, the Knicks faced Maxey six times. At the time, Maxey was playing in his fourth postseason run. He averaged 44.5 minutes on the court.
As the clear second option for the Sixers at the time, Maxey blew his previous scoring averages out of the water against the Knicks. He produced 29.8 points per gae, while shooting 47.8% from the field and knocking down 40.0% of his shots from three.
While Joel Embiid had a strong series then, he was battling a knee injury throughout. Maxey saved the 76ers on multiple occasions during that series. Eventually, New York was too much for them to handle. The Knicks closed the 76ers out in round one.
Entering the 2026 series, Maxey is coming off a seven-game showing against the Celtics. He posted averages of 26.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. The star guard shot 46.4% from the field and 41.8% from three.
Maxey and the Sixers will take on Hart and the Knicks for Game 1 on Monday, May 4. The game will tip off at 8 PM ET.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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