By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to end their two-game losing streak as they traveled to Atlanta to faceoff with a Hawks squad that was not at full strength due to injuries like the Sixers. Both teams traded blows throughout this contest, and Atlanta was able to outhustle the Sixers to the 50/50 balls and get more opportunities to extend possessions and hit their shots. That was the difference in this game as Atlanta beat them 139-132.

The Sixers started this game off hot unlike the last few games against the New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz. The shots were falling early and put Atlanta on their heels, Tyrese Maxey (35-points and had nine-assists) and Tobias Harris (32-points) combined for 67 of the Sixers’ 132-points. There were stretches during this game especially in the fourth quarter and overtime periods where no other player scored point but Maxey and Harris. It was a sight to behold watching them find the holes in Atlanta’s defensive scheme and getting those shots off and it finding the bottom of the net. When Maxey and Harris both score 30-plus points that usually translates to a win for the Sixers but once again the lack of a third consistent scorer and mental mistakes cost them another game. Maxey would foul out of this game during the overtime period and that was the end of any last chance of offensive efficiency the Sixers had in this contest. Once he left the Hawks forced the ball out of Tobias’ hands and forced someone else to beat them and no one else could answer the call. The Sixers need that third scorer as the trade deadline approaches that is an asset that needs to be acquired. A piece that can take the scoring load off of Maxey, Harris, and Embiid and get more players involved in the offense. If the Sixers are serious about making a title run all avenues to finding that player must be found.

The Hawks weathered that Maxey and Harris scoring explosion to retake the lead in the overtime period. They were able to get the Sixers defenders in foul trouble. Using their overaggressive defensive play against them. The paint being opened once again without Embiid there also played apart in the Sixers demise tonight. When they were late on defensive rotations the Hawks would attack the basket and the possession ended in a foul call most of the time. Jalen Johnson was the beneficiary of this style of play for Atlanta he scored 25-points in the contest. His biggest basket was the game-clinching dunk the ended the Sixers chances in tonight’s game. He also found the ball whenever it was loose and made the correct plays. If it was not for his hustle on both sides of the ball the result would have been different. He will definitely be a force to be reckon with in this league if he continues to work on his three-point shot.

The Sixers will now prepare to face the Sacramento Kings in Philly on Friday night. They may get Joel Embiid back for that game, but the fact still remains that they need to get more balanced scoring especially against the Kings who keep that ball moving as well. Philly will need to make sure the ball does not stay in one place like it did at times tonight and make sure they are using their cutting ability to create high-percentage shot opportunities. Additionally, they will need to stay attached to their man against the Kings explosive backcourt that features De’Aaron Fox another guard who will not mind attacking the paint if its open. They will need to make sure he sees a lot of resistance if they want to limit his impact on the game. If they can implement these things they should get their 24^th win of the season and end their three-game losing streak.