Knicks' Mike Brown Addresses 'Big' FT Discrepancy for 76ers amid 2-0 Playoff Series Lead

The New York Knicks seized a 2-0 lead in their second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers with Wednesday's 108-102 victory, but head coach Mike Brown wasn't entirely happy.

After all, the 76ers shot more free throws than his team for the second straight game.

"It's tough to win a ballgame if you're getting beat from the free throw line like that vs. a really good team," he told reporters. "We've got to look at every aspect of it."

While it may have seemed like a "big" discrepancy, the 76ers ended up shooting 28 free throws to the Knicks' 25 in Wednesday's game. Still, there was lingering frustration from the head coach from Game 1 when Philadelphia enjoyed a 34-17 advantage at the charity stripe despite New York's blowout 137-98 victory.

It should be noted there could be some gamesmanship going on with Brown's comments.

The series is shifting to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4, and he may think he can get an extra call or two on the road if he can highlight the overall discrepancy ahead of time. 

However, Brown's frustration didn't seem to be limited to the officials. That he wants to look "at every aspect of it" suggests he knows his team has to figure out ways to defend without committing fouls.

76ers-Knicks Highlights

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OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Ariel Hukporti all committed at least three fouls each for the Knicks in Wednesday's win. That type of foul trouble could be an issue when they hit the road, especially if Joel Embiid returns after missing Game 2.

Fortunately for New York, the fouling didn't prevent it from taking a 2-0 lead thanks to a 9-0 run in crunch time when the game was still hanging in the balance. Jalen Brunson spearheaded the effort with 26 points and six assists, while Towns challenged for a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Game 3 is Friday, and the free throws figure to be a storyline after Brown's comments even as Brunson looks to carry over the momentum.