76ers Forward Makes Bold Statement After Strong Outing vs Knicks

Kelly Oubre was a standout for the 76ers in their loss vs the Knicks.

Feb 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guards Josh Hart (3) and Jalen Brunson (11) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Coming off a blowout defeat against the Chicago Bulls, the Philadelphia 76ers hit the road to take on the New York Knicks. They managed to make things interesting with Jalen Brunson and company, surging back late in the game to get within striking distance. However, they would not be rewarded for their efforts as they ended up being handed their ninth-straight loss.

In their recent stretch, the Sixers have found themselves without the services of Joel Embiid due to his injured knee. This has left a void to fill the offense, and Kelly Oubre took it upon himself to make up for the absence of the former MVP. He came alive offensively in Wednesday's matchup, finishing as the Sixers' second-leading scorer. Oubre posted 27 points on efficient 9-for-14 shooting from the field (4-for-6 from beyond the arc).

Feb 24, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) shoots a foul shot during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Following the game, Oubre was asked about his showing against the Knicks. He spoke confidently about his ability to be a productive two-way player while also taking a slight jab at New York's defense.

“I just didn’t feel like anybody could guard me out there, respectfully," Oubre told reporters postgame. "I’m gonna play defense as hard as I possibly can but when I can put that force on the offensive end as well, I think that that’s who I am as a basketball player: a two-way player.”

Kelly Oubre Jr:

“I just didn’t feel like anybody could guard me out there, respectfully…I’m gonna play defense as hard as I possibly can but when I can put that force on the offensive end as well, I think that that’s who I am as a basketball player: a two-way player.”

— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) February 27, 2025

Oubre's 27 points is his third-highest scoring outing of the year. His season high remains at 30, a feat he accomplished two weeks ago against the Brooklyn Nets.

Despite how things have gone for the Sixers, Oubre is a player who has brought energy and intensity on a nightly basis. He continues to do everything he can for the team as they try and salvage this derailed season.

The Sixers will now return back home to take on the new-look Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

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