James Harden is still out of town, but his shadow already hangs over the Wells Fargo Center. A video of the Sixers’ new number 1 was projected around the room and the audience exploded.
In this overheated atmosphere, the Sixers shifted into high gear after the break. As always, they were worn by their best player. Despite some poor choices on offense, Joel Embiid walked on the Thunder’s racket. Too fast, too powerful, too mobile… Quite simply too strong for any opponent, the native of Yaoundé was already in double-double at the end of the 1st act.
Beaten 100-87, the young players of the Thunder have nothing to be ashamed of their performance tonight, and they especially cracked in the 3rd quarter with a big clumsiness at 3-points.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A complicated victory for the Sixers. The last two days have been hectic on the side of Philadelphia. Tonight, Joel Embiid’s teammates didn’t play well, but they showed character. In difficulty collectively, the Sixers found the solutions in the 3rd act. Tonight, Seth Curry was missed by the Sixers, with his skill and his ability to play with Joel Embiid. Ditto for André Drummond who brought a lot of things off the bench. Philly will have to revise the way it plays.
– OKC’s half-mast address. Still in the game at the break, they were left behind when they returned from the locker room. The cause ? An 0 of 8 from 3-pointers in the 3rd quarter and a 6/35 for the whole game. Too bad because this team offers enthusiastic and collective basketball but unfortunately without address, it gets complicated.
– Shaqtin’ A Fool. If this match will not be remembered in terms of the quality of the game, we will especially remember the video presentation of Harden and the noise of the fans. But the public also had a smile twice. First when Tre Mann tried to smash a massive dunk through the opposing defense but was unfortunately countered by the circle. Then, a few minutes later, it was Paul Reed who wanted to make the show but his attempt to dunk back will be completely missed. Doc Rivers did not fail to scratch it. ” We’ll watch the video tomorrow for a joke. He was good tonight and that’s why I left him on the pitch. He was the first to realize that it was the stupidest action of the evening. That’s why I didn’t tell him. “
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Joel Embid. Even if he did not play his best game of the season and his address was not there with a sore wrist, he was still the spearhead of his team. Author of 11 points and 10 rebounds after a quarter, the Cameroonian knew how to hurt when necessary. Seth Curry transferred, he lost a player with whom he got along well on pick-and-roll and especially in a hand-to-hand game. But in a few days, he will be able to play with a certain James Harden. And the whole city of Philadelphia is getting impatient!
✅ Tyrese Maxey. It was inconceivable on the Sixers side to trade Tyrese Maxey to the Nets. When you see his game, you can understand it. He is fearless and he has everything to be a star in this league. Tonight, he’s not missing much. 24 points in 30 minutes for him. When he’s on the court, Philadelphia shines. He can score from afar but above all set fire to any defense thanks to his speed. His agreement with James Harden on the back line is likely to spark.
✅ Darius Bazley. Author of a beautiful double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, he was the most prominent at the Thunder. Even if he lacks kilos and centimeters, he was one of the few to stand up to Joel Embiid.
⛔ Tre Mann. Not content with making Sixers fans smile, he was out of shape tonight. Author of a 1 in 8 on shots, he alone illustrates the lack of offensive impact of OKC this evening.
THE FOLLOWING
Philadelphia (33-22) : reception tonight of the Cavaliers for a clash of the Eastern conference
OKC (17-38) : back-to-back also for a reunion with Billy Donovan on the Chicago side
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