New York Knicks Takeaways From Victory Over Philadelphia 76ers

Dec 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) dribbles the ball being defended by Philadelphia 76ers forward Jerami Grant (39) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Matchup of the Game Recap

In our pre-game keys to the game, we highlighted the matchup between Robin Lopez and Jahlil Okafor as the one to keep an eye on. Unfortunately, we did not get to see it as the 76ers suspended Okafor for two games for his off-court conduct.

Okafor has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, as he got into two brawls/scuffles after playing against the Boston Celtics on the road. Only one of those incidents he reported to the team, but video of a second came out which he did not tell them about. That is probably the reason for his suspension, along with the fact he was arrested for driving 108 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. There are also reports that he was caught with a fake ID at a bar, and in a separate altercation in October had a gun pointed at his head.

The 76ers had enough, and suspended their first pick from the 2015 NBA Draft for two games. It is nice to see the 76ers take control of a situation by using Okafor as an example. He is a young man that needs some guidance, so hopefully this will help straighten him out. He cannot continue acting the way he has off the court and think that success will follow in the NBA. He will not have many chances at success if he continues conducting himself like this away from the court.

Lopez wasn’t needed much tonight in the blowout, as the Knicks starters got to rest most of the game.

Next: Total Team Effort