Knicks Struggle From Deep in Preseason-Opening Loss to 76ers.

The New York Knicks opened their preseason schedule with a 120-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, struggling to find consistency from the field as their starters played only the first half.

New York opened with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, the same starting five that helped the Knicks win the NBA Finals. Philadelphia rested LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, giving several other players an opportunity to take on larger roles. Former Knicks center Ariel Hukporti started for Philadelphia after joining the 76ers during the offseason. His night ended early after he suffered an apparent ankle injury following an awkward fall in the first quarter. Players from both teams gathered around Hukporti before he was helped to the locker room. He did not return. Andre Drummond, Landry Shamet, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek were the first four players off New York's bench. Shamet provided an early spark by knocking down two three-pointers. Philadelphia held a 33-32 advantage after the opening quarter. Jaylen Brown scored 13 points in the period, while Brunson led New York with eight. Anunoby added six points while playing 10 minutes. Knicks head coach Mike Brown expanded his rotation during the second quarter, bringing Mohamed Diawara and Jordan Clarkson into the game. Philadelphia began creating separation late in the half, with Brown and Caleb Love combining for eight consecutive points to give the 76ers a 58-51 advantage.

VJ Edgecombe helped Philadelphia extend the lead by converting a three-point play against James Wiseman. Love then connected from three at the buzzer to send the Sixers into halftime with a 72-58 lead.

Philadelphia outscored New York 39-26 in the second quarter and shot 53 percent from the field during the first half, including 11-for-24 from three-point range. Brunson and Anunoby each finished their nights with 12 points, while Brown scored 22 before sitting out the second half. With New York's starters finished for the night, the reserves handled the second half. The Knicks' offensive struggles continued, including a stretch of more than five minutes without a field goal late in the third quarter. Philadelphia entered the fourth with a 93-79 advantage and maintained control the rest of the way. New York finished the game shooting 38 percent from the field and just 8-for-41 from three-point range, a 20 percent clip.

Shamet led the Knicks' reserves with 10 points, while Diawara scored eight in 17 minutes. Wiseman recorded eight points and five rebounds in nine minutes as he competed for minutes at backup center. Tony Bradley finished with two points in six minutes.

Drummond contributed six points, five rebounds and three blocks against his former team.

While the preseason opener provided New York's starters with their first game action, the Knicks' shooting performance left plenty of room for improvement as they continue preparing for the regular season.