Dr. J’s Simple Message for Joel Embiid, 76ers to Forget About Game 2 Collapse

The Sixers legend weighed in on Monday night’s brutal loss.

Apr 22, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) look up during his team’s Game 2 loss to the Knicks. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers looked well on their way to winning Game 2 of their series against the New York Knicks on Monday until disaster struck in the final minute and they coughed up a five-point lead before losing, 104-101.

Now the team heads back home needing a win in Thursday night's Game 3 to avoid going down 3-0 in the series.

What's the best way for Philadelphia to put that brutal loss behind them? 76ers legend Julius Erving explained to Sports Illustrated this week the best way for Embiid and Co. to move forward.

"Watch the tape a couple of times and then get over it," Erving told SI, while promoting his work with FreedomPop, a wireless service catered for senior citizens. "Get over it while you’re still in the video room and while the coach is right there addressing you and you’re addressing him as you’re sitting there as a unit of one. Come out of that room with that solidarity, that says, 'OK, the only way we can remedy this is by playing winning basketball and winning the next game.'"

Erving also spoke of what he'd like to see from Embiid as a leader, who's not at full strength thanks to a lingering knee injury.

"I want to see (Embiid) with his head up and his chest out and come out there, and if he’s only going to play 20 minutes, give it 20 good minutes and let the other guys—they’re getting paid, too— let them do what they’re supposed to do," Erving said. "And (playing at) home should be to their benefit. They should have a little bit more confidence coming home even though the Knicks have all the confidence in the world after winning the first two games."

Game 3 should be another good one in a series that has been extremely close thus far.