Julius Erving credits 76ers for effort in tough Round 1 loss to Knicks

On the one hand, the Philadelphia 76ers took a step back in the 2023-24 season. After three consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Sixers were ousted in the first round by the New York Knicks in six games.

It was a tough series as both teams exchanged body blows. The final scoring margin between the teams after six games was one point in favor of New York. The Sixers were right there in all six games, but the Knicks came up with the clutch hustle plays down the stretch of games.

However, Philadelphia deserves credit. Joel Embiid battled through a meniscus injury as well as Bell’s Palsy to lead his team, and young Tyrese Maxey blossomed into the star everybody always believed he could be.

The effort the Sixers showed made franchise legend Julius Erving proud. He applauded the effort on X, formerly known as Twitter.

I will remember this season for the guts and grit shown by the Sixers through injury and adversity. Thank you Sixers fans and congrats to the Knicks.
Doc

— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 4, 2024

While the Sixers head into a very important offseason, the Knicks are up 2-0 on the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals.