The Sixers and Knicks had a six-game, white-knuckle battle in the first round of last year’s NBA playoffs. New York ultimately won, though the point differential for the series was literally a single point.
As Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey shined throughout the majority of the series, the Sixers were looking for more. Tobias Harris’ swan song was a microcosm of his Sixers’ tenure, ending in disappointment and missed opportunities. A few guys had their moments, but it felt like something was missing.
For the Sixers to advance further in the playoffs than they have since 2001, Paul George will have to be that missing piece.