Instant Replay: Knicks 94, Sixers 88

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NEW YORK — The Sixers erased a 15-point deficit and had a chance to get within a basket of the lead in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter on Monday night at Madison Square Garden only to fall apart down the stretch, as the Knicks hung on for a 94-88 victory in preseason action.

Playing without Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel against the Knicks, the Sixers' smaller lineup pushed the pace, but fell victim to 22 turnovers and missed shots.

The Sixers shot just 35.8 percent in the game, including 4 for 18 in the final quarter.

Turning point
The Sixers had a chance to cut the Knicks’ lead to one basket in the final four minutes of the game, but Furkan Aldemir and JaKarr Sampson missed three out of four foul shots before a turnover and a dunk by Jerian Grant with 3:32 left pushed the Knicks’ lead to six points.

The Sixers shot 1 for 6 from the floor in the final four minutes with three turnovers.

High scorers
Derrick Williams came off the bench for the Knicks to lead all scorers with 21 points on 8 for 12 shooting in 25 minutes. Carmelo Anthony also added 18 points in 22 minutes.

The Sixers were led by Isaiah Canaan’s 18 points on 5 for 13 shooting. However, the point guard did not notch an assist. Christian Wood impressed with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench.

Rest up
Big men Okafor and Noel took the night off to recover from some minor injuries. Okafor has some soreness in his knee that limited his minutes in the last two preseason games. He is not expected to miss any practices and worked out with his teammates before the game.

Meanwhile, Noel missed his second straight game with back and knee contusions suffered last Thursday against Cleveland. Noel missed Saturday’s game in Albany, N.Y. against the Nets, but is expected to play next Friday against Washington.

For the Knicks, first-round draft pick Kristaps Porzingas was given the night off with a sore quad.

Stat game
The Sixers had 11 turnovers, 12 fouls and just seven assists from seven different players in the first half. Canaan, the starting point guard, did not register an assist.

Four players led the Sixers with just two assists as the team had a 12 to 20 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Point guard update
Canaan started for the fourth straight game at point guard, playing 28 minutes. Scottie Wilbekin was the backup, going 4 for 10 with two assists.

Up next
The Sixers spend the next few days in the practice gym until Friday when they host the Wizards at the Wells Fargo Center. After an off-day on Saturday, the Sixers play a Sunday matinee in Brooklyn before they gear up for the final full week of the preseason.

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