Nick Nurse still thinks 76ers ‘should have won’ vs. Knicks in 2026 playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
They say that having the memory of a goldfish is helpful when it comes to professional sports. Forgetting about losses and focusing on what’s ahead is important to keeping an even-keeled demeanor. But there are some who thrive off of remembering, and Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse certainly seems to be one of those people.
On Tuesday night, the 76ers spoiled the New York Knicks’ ring and banner ceremony, handing them a 106-100 loss at Madison Square Garden. For Nurse, this victory must have felt satisfying, especially when he still feels that Philly should have won during their previous trip to the Garden for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“The last time we were here, we should’ve won. Still makes me mad,” Nurse said after the game, per Jeff Skversky of FOX29 Philly.
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“The last time we were here, we should've won. Still makes me mad”
🔥 Nick Nurse after the Sixers beat the Knicks in the opener with LeBron James and new look 76ers
Nurse says it’s been “fun” so far with this team pic.twitter.com/vXjz9dDKPf
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) October 21, 2026
The 76ers were coming off a 137-98 loss in Game 1 of that series, and to make matters worse, Joel Embiid had to miss Game 2. Despite Embiid’s absence, Philly took a 90-89 lead into the fourth quarter of Game 2, putting forth a brilliant effort in their quest to even up the series heading back home.
Alas, the 76ers ran cold in the fourth. They scored just 12 points as the team shot just 4-of-19 from the field, and the Knicks, as would be the case for the entirety of their championship run, completed the come-from-behind victory. Philly would go on to lose Game 3 and Game 4 at home in convincing fashion as the Knicks swept them.
That is the sort of loss that sticks with anyone, especially with a cerebral head coach like Nurse. But now, the 76ers should have the tools to weather whatever kind of adversity that hits them. With the arrival of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, they have stars other than Tyrese Maxey who can soak up huge offensive responsibilities just in case the injury bug hits Embiid once again at the most inopportune moment.
The 76ers showed on Opening Night that they can win even without shooting the ball very well, and this bodes well for their chances of being one of the best teams in the East moving forward.
Related: Joel Embiid’s message to Tyrese Maxey after 76ers’ Opening Night win over Knicks is everything
Related: 76ers superstar LeBron James shares special handshake with VJ Edgecombe after first Philly win