The starting backcourt of the Philadelphia 76ers is being throttled with heavy minutes. Yes, it's the postseason, when rotations are shortened and core players are ridden more than ever down the stretch. But with assorted injuries and fatigue hitting a Philly team at multiple spots, looking up from a sudden 0-2 hole they've found themselves in, a role player on the perimeter has to emerge at once.
Quentin Grimes can get it going offensively. It's not a matter of if; it's simply a matter of when. And there's no better time for him to awaken on the offensive end than in a pivotal Game 3 showdown.
We've seen spurts of it, suggestions of an awakening, only to prove short-lived. As recently as Games 5 and 6 versus Boston, the Houston, Texas native notched 12 and 14 points, respectively. And while a strong start to the regular season diminished into inconsistent minutes and lackluster numbers down the stretch, he's still capable of heating up.
Grimes needs to take the rest of this series personally
The former Knick should be relishing the chance to best his former teammates in the orange and blue. As a former first round selection of the Knicks back in 2021, he developed in his first three seasons in New York. Now he's got the opportunity to get the last laugh against his former running mates, with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals hanging in the balance.
Tyrese Maxey's 47 minutes in Wednesday night's Game 2 defeat spelled missed shots, tired legs, and turnovers down the stretch.
While VJ Edgecombe continues to build upon a strong rookie campaign, Grimes needs to emerge as a trusted vet on offense. Maxey can't do this alone, and both Edgecombe and Grimes need to come out firing to truly complement Maxey on the perimeter the rest of the way.
Starting and finishing strong is the key
Back on their home floor, a strong showing by Grimes is paramount to the Sixers prospects of earning their first win of the series. He showed a quick flash from the jump last game, earning a trip to the charity stripe and splashing a late first-quarter trey for five quick points upon entering action at the five-minute mark in Game 2. But he was subsequently rendered silent, finishing with just seven points in 24 minutes of inconistent action.
The Knicks are afforded the luxury of considerable backcourt depth with Head Coach Mike Brown tapping the likes of Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, and, of course, Miles McBride in waves off the bench. For Philadelphia, beyond Maxey and Edgecombe, that void for viable impact off the bench must be filled, and filled fast.
Jared McCain, who dropped daggers for the Thunder in their 108-90 Game 1 win over the Lakers, won't be emerging from the Sixers' tunnel on Friday night. The absence of McCain, who dropped 12 points on 4-of-5 buckets from deep for his Oklahoma City squad, can only be forgotten by way of a far hungrier Grimes checking in off the bench, one who's headstrong on producing his best playoff showing to date as a Sixer.
Simply put, Grimes needs to start taking this showdown with his former team personally if the Sixers are to survive this series.