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Evan Almighty! Embattled Knicks Shooter Sinks Sixers in Comeback Win

Evan Fournier and other New York Knicks reserves came up big as the New York Knicks

Geoff Magliocchetti

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If this is how it ends for Evan Fournier, few have gone on on a better note in the modern history of the New York Knicks.

With his name included in countless hypothetical trades as Feb. 9's deadline looms, Fournier's 17-point effort off the bench set a new season-high and set the place for a quick, if not inspiring, New York comeback, one that erased an early 21-point deficit and shaped it into a 108-97 victory on Sunday evening at Madison Square Garden.

Fournier began the year as the Knicks' primary shooting guard but fell out of the rotation entirely in favor of Cam Reddish and later Quentin Grimes. RJ Barrett's medically induced absence afforded him some minutes, as his familiar contributions from beyond the arc (5-of-8) were part of a sterling effort from the Knicks reserves. 

It was, perhaps appropriately, a Fournier triple that gave the Knicks (29-26) permanent momentum: the stage was set for a 32-18 advantage over the final frame when Fournier sank a triple that put the Knicks up four. It was the start of a 16-8 run over the next six-plus minutes that allowed the final score to get relatively one-sided. 

With normal bench leader Immanuel Quickley elevated into the starting five in Barrett's place, other reserves also rose to the occasion: Miles McBride had 14 points while Isaiah Hartenstein matched that tally in rebounds. In starting affairs, Julius Randle led the way with 24 points while Jalen Brunson had 21. 

The 21-point first period deficit (peaking at 33-12) was the largest made up en route to victory for the Knicks (29-26) this season. It was also the Knicks' first win in a game where they trailed entering the fourth quarter after dropping 10 other games under similar circumstances. 

Philadelphia (34-18) was denied its third consecutive victory and fell to 1-2 against the Knicks this season. Joel Embiid led the way with 31 points, all but 13 of them coming from the free throw line. New York is slated for one more meeting with Philadelphia on Friday at Wells Fargo Center.

Before that, the Knicks face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in Central Florida (7 p.m. ET, MSG).

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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Geoff Magliocchetti
GEOFF MAGLIOCCHETTI

Editor-In-Chief at All Knicks

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