Brianna Williams May 8, 2026, 08:04 PM ET Down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks , it was clear the host Philadelphia 76ers needed a spark to start Game 3 on Friday. It didn't take long for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe -- the duo nicknamed "VJ Maxx" -- to fuel that spark. Less than five minutes into the opening frame, Maxey launched a lob from well beyond the 3-point arc that Edgecombe hammered home with authority. On the next possession, Maxey picked off Josh Hart 's pass intended for an open Mikal Bridges , took off in transition and found Edgecombe again for another emphatic jam, pushing Philadelphia ahead 15-8. https://t.co/5OhXi1tn8E pic.twitter.com/sITlEtpYgY — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 8, 2026 Despite the fast start, the Knicks answered late in the quarter, trimming the deficit to 31-27 by the end of the first. Entering Friday, Philly's largest lead in either of the first two games was seven points in Game 2.…