NEW YORK -- The Philadelphia 76ers had a tough time finding any type of rhythm with their 3-point looks on opening night. The Sixers were getting some good looks from beyond the arc, but they started 3-for-20 as they were unable to really find any groove.

However, the Sixers turned to Anfernee Simons in the third quarter and the offensive dynamo finally broke the seal for Philadelphia. He knocked down three triples in the third, including two big ones to kickstart a run to end the third, and he really made a big difference for the Sixers.

"Huge, huge, big shots by five," started Tyrese Maxey. "He did a good job. We’re looking for him when he gets in the game. We’re hunting for him. We want him to hunt his shot, and he did a good job with that tonight."

Then veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope knocked down two big 3s in the fourth. The two guards were real difference makers.

"They were huge because we obviously didn't shoot the ball particularly well from the outside tonight," added LeBron James. "Something we're obviously not worried about because we have some great shooters, and we will get it back on that, you know, soon. But I just like the way we played. We were sharing the ball. We got the ball moving from one side to another. Guys felt in a good rhythm, and you know, just like you said, you know, KCP was huge. Those shots by Ant was huge, too, obviously.

Caldwell-Pope and Simons are two players who have been there, done that in terms of success in this league. As Philadelphia moves forward, it will continue to lean on those two's offensive abilities, shooting prowess, and know-how. The Sixers will benefit from those two as they move forward.

Especially, Caldwell-Pope who has two championships (2020, 2023) under his belt.

"It’s just another guy that can hold guys accountable because they understand and they see that the guy has gotten to the finish line," James said of KCP. "And beyond the finish line. I went through the rope. So definitely it's very helpful and these guys that's been here are trying to build to get to that point."

Either way, the Sixers know they have to shoot the ball better than they did against the Knicks. Their defense was able to keep them in it until Simons and KCP were able to break through for them.

"We gotta shoot the ball well," said Jaylen Brown. "I think those are guys that can shoot. I think we made two threes in the first half, I want to say. Just a testament to our defense is that we were able to stay in the game. We're only making two threes. So we got stops, we just got to hit some shots."

They will now move forward as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.