The Rockets long believed they would win. Thanks to Fred VanVleet's award-winning baskets, it must be recognized that they started this meeting perfectly against the Sixers deprived of Joel Embiid (and Nicolas Batum). They dominated the first quarter (32-26) before seeing Tyrese Maxey increase pressure. The latter scored 19 points in the second quarter and the two teams returned to the locker room almost tied (63-62).
As at the start of the match, Ime Udoka's troops recovered better and quickly posted a ten-point lead. Alperen Sengun is more present, he who had a discreet first half, when VanVleet continues to hit 3-pointers. Fortunately for the Sixers, there is always an answer that allows them to stay in the race (97-90).
Patrick Beverley starts his team in the last quarter and, in a few moments, everything has to be done again for Houston. The Sixers even go ahead with baskets behind the arc from Maxey and Tobias Harris. Other award-winning baskets, from Beverley and Marcus Morris, with the latter being the fault, gave Philadelphia the victory (127-131).
What you must remember
– Tyrese Maxey in boss mode. Joel Embiid absent, he took charge of the team. And he did it brilliantly, compiling 42 points at 13/26 shooting. He was certainly clumsy from afar (2/9 at 3-pts), but his aggressiveness and his free throws hurt the Rockets.
– Sixers veterans make the difference. If Maxey was superb, it was not he who stunned the Rockets in the last quarter. These are the elders. Patrick Beverley already, with two quick baskets, and also assists, as well as a very important final basket. Also Marcus Morris, who was not always fair otherwise, but who found the 3-point target twice, including once with the foul. Finally, Tobias Harris, author of a good match, also made his contribution. This trio weighs 24 points in the last act.
– Second victory in a row without Joel Embiid. After four straight losses without the 2023 MVP this season, the Sixers are learning to win without him. After the success against Orlando, it is a second in rank to report. They will aim for the three pass this Saturday evening in Chicago since Embiid will still be absent.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
