Sixers mount early surge against Knicks before Robinson delivers iconic dunk on Embiid
Despite a commanding 2-0 series lead, the New York Knicks faced a spirited Philadelphia 76ers side that shot 64 per cent from the field in the first quarter, only for the game's most memorable moment to occur when Robinson dunked on Embiid in the second.
The New York Knicks hosted the Philadelphia 76ers on 8 May 2026 for Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series, entering the contest with a commanding two-game lead. Although the Knicks entered the match expecting to maintain their advantage, the Philadelphia side faced significant roster disruption, including the return of star centre Joel Embiid to the lineup.
Early in the first quarter, the Sixers ignited their attack through a duo known as the "VJ Maxx", consisting of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Less than five minutes into the opening frame, Maxey launched a lob from beyond the three-point arc that Edgecombe hammered home with authority. On the subsequent possession, Maxey intercepted a pass intended for Mikal Bridges and transitioned quickly to find Edgecombe again for another emphatic jam, pushing Philadelphia ahead 15-8.
Shooting efficiency proved the defining metric of the opening period, with the Sixers demonstrating superior accuracy compared to their hosts. Philadelphia shot 64 per cent from the field, converting seven of 11 attempts, while also registering 33 per cent from three-point range. In contrast, the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm, managing only 36 per cent from the field and failing to connect on any three-point attempts during the first quarter.
Despite the fast start, the Knicks managed to answer late in the period and trimmed the deficit to 31-27 by the end of the first quarter. This performance marked a notable shift for Philadelphia, as their largest lead in either of the previous two games had been just seven points in Game 2. The team appeared determined to capitalise on the early momentum to challenge the hosts' dominance.
The game's most notable moment occurred in the second quarter, when Philadelphia centre Mitchell Robinson delivered a highlight-reel dunk on his own team's star, Joel Embiid. The play served as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the series, occurring just as the Knicks had begun to tighten the gap following their efficient opening period.
As the contest progressed, the narrative shifted from a Sixers offensive explosion to a surreal defensive highlight involving their own personnel. The incident underscored the intensity of the Eastern Conference semifinal series, where even the most established stars could find themselves in unexpected positions on the court.
