The added ingredient that lifts Knicks-76ers into different stratosphere of playoff series
The Knicks and 76ers playoff series has taken on added intensity due to their growing rivalry and repeated postseason matchups. Historical NBA rivalries like the Bulls-Pacers and Heat-Pacers have shown how familiarity can deepen playoff drama. This current matchup, fueled by recent history and mutual respect, has elevated the competition to a higher level.
- ▪The Knicks and 76ers have developed a heightened playoff rivalry marked by repeated matchups.
- ▪Familiarity between teams, as seen with past rivalries like Bulls-Pacers, often intensifies playoff series.
- ▪The Knicks struggled against the Pacers in recent years, adding emotional weight to recurring playoff challenges.
- ▪Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in their latest playoff victory.
- ▪The article suggests the Knicks-76ers series has reached a new level of significance in the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
New York Knicks Mike Vaccaro The added ingredient that lifts Knicks-76ers into different stratosphere of playoff series By Mike Vaccaro Published May 3, 2026, 7:10 p.m. ET Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrating with guard Tyrese Maxey (0) after their playoff win. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect This is when it gets fun. Familiarity. Back in the day, it was Michael Jordan’s Bulls, and then Reggie Miller’s Pacers. A little later it became Pat Riley’s Heat. The playoff collisions were already delicious, but the “you-again” factor turned those series, those rivalries, into something more.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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