By: Kylan Watson
The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Oklahoma to face off with a surging Thunder squad that wanted to continue winning games and increase the Sixers losing streak to three games. Both of these teams traded blows throughout this contest but thanks to a third quarter offensive explosion by Philly. They were able to beat them 127-123.
Philly got their offensive rhythm going early in this contest; they were able to find the bottom. Their offensive scheme had OKC on their heels before they could really settle into this game. The duo of Joel Embiid (35-points, grabbed 11-rebounds, and had nine-assists) and Tyrese Maxey (28-points, grabbed eight-rebounds, and hit three/nine three-pointers) combined for 63 of Philly’s 127-points. The return of Joel Embiid really opened up the floor for everyone else on the floor. This was another banner night for his improved passing skills, once again he fell an assist short of a triple double. However, his willingness to pass the ball and create high percentage opportunities for his teammates really helped the Sixers win this game. He made the right decisions throughout this contest, and he will need to continue to do that to help the Sixers become a true title contender in the loaded Eastern Conference. If he can continue making strides in his passing game opposing defenses will think twice before double teaming him and he will create more space for his teammates like he did tonight. The Thunder’s focus on him opened up room for Maxey and Harris to attack the paint. That was more room to attack than they had against the Timberwolves who made sure they took well contested jump shots. That was not the case tonight as whether the shots were wide-open or contested it found the bottom of the net. Even though it took him awhile to get going when Maxey finally got going the Sixers were able to pull-away from the Thunder in the third quarter. He finally started attacking the rim and getting his mid-range game going, which is one of the deadliest combinations in the association. However, Maxey will still need to play way more aggressively especially when Embiid is not on the floor. He did it tonight, but he will have to get more consistent in that department if the Sixers want to go far in the postseason.
The Thunder refused to quit in this contest at one point in the game they were able to retake the lead from the Sixers. The young duo of Chet Holmgren (33-points) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31-points) could not be stopped tonight. They combined for 64 of OKC’s 123-points and both of them made Philly pay for giving them room to get a shot up tonight. Gilgeous-Alexander in the first two quarters scored 19-points and was keeping his team in this game. The Sixers made the adjustment of putting Tobias Harris and Nicolas Batum on him and their length made him take more contested shots which limited him in the second half. Other than Holmgren no other player in a Thunder uniform stepped up in this contest and that made the difference. The Thunder will be a dangerous team in the Western Conference and with Gilgeous-Alexander’s continued ascension and Holmgren’s development they will be a scary team in the Western Conference.
The Sixers will now prepare for a Monday Night showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. They will need to continue to keep the ball moving on the offensive side so that high percentage shot opportunities can continue to be created. Additionally, they will need to stay attached to their man and be stronger on the perimeter if they want to keep the duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James in check. If they can implement these things, they will be able to get their 12th win of the season.