It's never easy to win against Orlando, particularly at the Kia Center where the Magic have a very good record. Joel Embiid's Sixers therefore had to work for three good quarters before getting rid of a formation that was still just as tough. And this despite the absence of Franz Wagner, one of its main creators.
Determined to play spoilsport, the Floridians did better than resist Joel Embiid's 15 points in the first quarter. With the contribution of Chuma Okeke, Joe Ingles, Paolo Banchero and three shots from Cole Anthony just before the buzzer, Orlando even completed the first act with a short lead (33-32).
Wendell Carter Jr's big pass, with four baskets including a 2+1, then allowed the locals to move to +4 (50-46). Until Joel Embiid signaled the end of recess, and in what way! The Sixers pivot went really heavy with a 3-point basket, a mid-range shot followed by a “T-Mac” with a rebound against the board to get rid of Goga Bitadze before hitting a huge tap (52-57).
Joel Embiid above the fray
Joel Embiid didn't stop there, adding one more mid-range basket before seeing Tyrese Maxey complete a resounding 16-2 with a 3-point basket (52-62). Orlando then held on to stay in the game, returning to -8 at the break (60-68) then to -4 on several occasions thanks to Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero then Wendell Carter Jr (73-77).
But Philly did not tremble, and even if the attack was a little more laborious, apart from a good pass from Kelly Oubre Jr and a 2+1 from Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers defense helped to regain a gap at the end. third quarter, final this time (76-89).
Tyrese Maxey and Marcus Morris chained brilliant shots to put Philadelphia away (81-102). Enough to leave Joel Embiid rest until the end, and enjoy this fourth success in a row from the bench (124-109).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid left only crumbs. Philly particularly relied on its 1-5 Maxey-Embiid axis, in the first half in particular (27 shots taken out of the Sixers' 43 for 45 points out of the 68 scored at the break), with the aim of killing the match as soon as possible. The Sixers managed to take the lead, but this lack of alternation in attack almost played tricks on them after returning from the locker room, when the Maxey-Embiid duo proved less skillful. After a period of hesitation, it was finally Kelly Oubre then Marcus Morris who took a welcome turn in attack to secure the victory.
– The great exit of Wendell Carter Jr. The interior is indeed back at 100% and confirmed it in this match, his best this season with 25 points on 9/13 shooting and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. He hampered the Sixers racket with his profile and his aggressiveness. A good omen for the future.
– The action of the match. The meeting will be remembered for this “T-Mac” passed by Joel Embiid in the middle of an NBA match. Challenged by Goga Bitadze, the Sixers pivot found no other solution than to send the ball to the board to stand out before crushing it in the circle! In addition to feeding the Top 10 section, it is above all a key action which fueled the decisive 16-2 passed by Philly before the break.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
