Paint defense suddenly a major issue for Knicks against 76ers

It was one of the first issues that Mike Brown mentioned.

By Andrew Crane · NY Post

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 2:01 AM

Key Things to Know

Knicks coach Mike Brown cited first-half paint defense as a primary factor in a 98-93 loss to the 76ers.
The 76ers scored 26 points in the paint in the first half compared to the Knicks' 14.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with eight first-half paint points, while LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe added six each.

The Story in 60 Seconds

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown highlighted paint defense as a major issue following a 98-93 NBA Cup loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks allowed 26 points in the paint during the first half in Philadelphia, creating an early deficit they could not fully overcome despite limiting the 76ers to just 10 second-half paint points.

Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with eight first-half paint points, alongside six each from LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe. Even after the defeat, the Knicks ranked second in the NBA in opponent paint points per game at 39.3, but Brown emphasized that minor defensive breakdowns and lapses in communication proved costly.

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Paint defense suddenly a major issue for Knicks against 76ers

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