It's still early in the season, but the Knicks face something close to a must-win when they square off with the Sixers for the second time

The Knicks only had a slim 51-50 lead after the first half. At halftime, Towns only had eight points and nine rebounds, but he managed to step up in the second half. Towns ended up finishing the game with 27 points and 20 rebounds.

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Jim Poorten/NBAE via Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links.

That came after Hall of Fame center Bill Russell retired after the Celtics' run of 11 titles in 13 years. These Knicks have their entire starting five back, led by NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and fellow All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, but hadn't been delivering.

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who returned this season after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign due to a ruptured right Achilles, sat Wednesday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a strained left hamstring set to keep him out at least two weeks.

Jalen Brunson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek were all significant contributors to the 133-127 comeback victory by the Knicks over the Bulls on Wednesday.