Would the Raptors have the legs to bring down the Sixers just 24 hours after taking advantage of the Bucks’ permeable defense? On a few sequences, they showed that it was possible, but not in the long term. The first quarter proves it with 12 points from Scottie Barnes, but it is Philadelphia who is in front.
In the second quarter, the Canadians went 11-3, to which Joel Embiid and his gang responded with an 8-0. Darko Rajakovic’s players are speechless for long minutes and are dominated (58-49).
Once again, there is a reaction, with a 9-2 after the break, but it is short-lived. Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. accelerate with 17 points in the third quarter and the Sixers take the break with a thirteen-point lead.
The last quarter changes nothing. The Raptors do not have the energy to shake up the 2023 MVP and his teammates, who logically won 114-99 in an ordinary but controlled match and they recorded a third victory in a row. Philadelphia thus places itself behind leader Boston in ranking of the Eastern Conference.
TO REMEMBER
The recruits are arriving slowly. If Marcus Morris and Nicolas Batum have not played since the transfer of James Harden to the Clippers, Robert Covington and KJ Martin have had the right to their first moments in the colors of the Sixers. They each spent 75 seconds on the floor of the Wells Fargo Center.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kelly Oubre Jr. He confirms his good start to the season with another interesting performance. His ten points in the third quarter made it possible to pull away. He finished with 23 points and 5 rebounds at 8/13 shooting including a very clean 5/6 behind the arc.
✅The players around Joel Embiid. In addition to Oubre Jr., we can highlight the performances of Tobias Harris, 23 points at 10/17 shooting, or Furkan Korkmaz, 10 points and 3 interceptions. Paul Reed did his job with 6 points and 5 rebounds, while the energy of Tyrese Maxey (18 units) was useful.
⛔Pascal Siakam. Clearly, the Cameroonian does not like the Sixers. Author of an 11-point match at 3/8 shooting last week against them, he was once again passive, content for most of the match to rotate the ball, without being dangerous. Without relief or presence, the interior only displays 10 points on the clock at 5/11 shooting. This is very meager for a player of this level, especially since the Raptors would have needed his contribution in attack.
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
