Sixers-Nets: Joel Embiid goes off in down-to-the-wire victory

2023-02-19 02:49:31 By : Mr. Jerome Lin

By Sam DiGiovanni · 6 min read

The Philadelphia 76ers (36-19) took on the new-look Brooklyn Nets (33-23) in their final road game before the All-Star break. On the second night of a back-to-back against a team with a lot of new faces, the Sixers won a nailbiter by a score of 101-98. Brass Wire Drawing Machine

Sixers-Nets: Joel Embiid goes off in down-to-the-wire victory

Let’s break down the Sixers’ win over the Nets.

Joel Embiid: 37 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 12-18 FG shooting

Embiid was a foul-drawing machine early on and scored 14 points in the first quarter. His shot-making was just sensational, even with Claxton and his long-armed teammates making it hard for him to spring free for open looks. He was simply dominant. Against a super athletic, energetic Nets squad, he also did a solid job cleaning the glass.

James Harden: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 9-20 FG shooting

In his first game in Brooklyn since joining the Sixers, Harden got booed when he had the ball. He received chants of “trai-tor!” at the free-throw line but silenced them time after time. His tendencies leaned more toward scoring than playmaking and although he shot very well, the rest of the team outside of Embiid (and Maxey inside the arc) did not (though they certainly had their chances).

Tyrese Maxey: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4-11 FG shooting

Maxey looked confident after getting his mind in the right place and had a decent game despite not getting a three to go down in four attempts. He broke down the defense here and there while again pressing the opposing point guard.

Jalen McDaniels: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2-4 FG shooting

McDaniels first checked into the game with 4:44 left in the first quarter and played 15 minutes overall. He scored his first points on a lob from Maxey at the start of the second quarter. The new addition seemed to fit in well in his debut. He rightly didn’t look to do too much, used his length and mobility to the best of his abilities and played with good effort. Doc Rivers even trusted him enough to play him on the Sixers’ last defensive possessions.

Mikal Bridges: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist,2 steals, 8-18 FG shooting

Bridges said that he was excited to face the Sixers in his debut with the Nets and he played like it. He brought his usual brand of stellar defense, made some hustle plays and made shots from everywhere. In his first chance to prove he can be a star as the face of a franchise, he took advantage and played like it meant something to him.

Ben Simmons: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2-3 FG shooting

Simmons had a very bumpy performance in his second matchup with the Sixers. In his first game against them in his new home, he came off the bench and played decently. It’s so weird that he isn’t one of the biggest storylines in this one but that’s what happens when the Nets make two of the biggest five-or-so trades in the history of the trade deadline.

Nic Claxton: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks, 3-6 FG shooting

Claxton shined against the Sixers in their last matchup. His length and aggressive defense gave Embiid a challenge, making his presence known to all of Philly with three first-half blocks.

Guilherme Hiray Leal 23 hours ago

Sixers-Nets: Joel Embiid goes off in down-to-the-wire victory

High Carbon Steel Wire Drawing Machine The Sixers will take on the Houston Rockets on Monday.