By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Charlotte to battle the Hornets. Both teams played last night, and it showed in this contest. These two teams traded blows throughout the game, and it took a fourth quarter explosion for Philly to beat them 97-89. Pushing their win streak to five-games to end this weekend back-to-back.

Unlike the last few games, the Sixers started this game pretty flat they missed some makeable high-percentage shots. The trio of Joel Embiid (33-points, grabbed 10-rebounds, and had five-assists), Tobias Harris (21-points, grabbed five-rebounds, and had six-assists), and Tyrese Maxey (16-points) really saved them in this contest where they really did not have it on either side of the ball. They combined for 70 of the Sixers’ 97-points and they needed every point as they were missing key pieces off the bench so the three of them had to play some major minutes in this game. Harris was big in this contest, especially in the fourth quarter. He scored 10 of his 21-points in that quarter and was the closer in this contest. If an aggressive Harris shows up it adds another dimension to Philly’s offense and it takes the scoring load off of Embiid and Maxey rather, they, have it or not. Harris put his fingerprints all over this contest late in the game when the Sixers needed someone else to step up, he answered the challenge and was the difference in this game. It will be important for him to continue to build this positive scoring momentum especially as the playoffs get closer and closer. A deep playoff run, and a new contract depends on him playing like this in the postseason.

The Charlotte Hornets to their credit did not give up in this game they could have easily folded with the Embiid, Harris, and Maxey were playing tonight. Every time the Sixers went on a run the Hornets answered back and found the bottom of the net when they needed it most. Their young legs and athleticism gave Philly fits throughout this contest. The trio of Miles Bridges (25-points), Brandon Miller (23-points), and Terry Rosier (19-points) combined for 68 of Charlotte’s 89-points. Miller especially would hit some big shots from the perimeter to keep his team in this contest whenever the Hornets needed points, he found a way to provide it. Philly was able to turn up the heat and that pressure forced them to take difficult shots and turn the ball over. Shutting Bridges, Miller, and Rosier down brought the Hornets offense to a halt and helped the Sixers win this game. It is games like this that define a team, especially a contender. During an 82-game season sometimes you have to win ugly and change your style to match your opponent. Tonight, the Sixers took this game from Charlotte, and they can look back on it later in the season when they do not have it working that they can win games pretty or ugly.

The Sixers will now prepare to face Victor Wembamyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday Night. Wembamyama has a unique skillset, and it should be a good game to see him and Joel Embiid matchup in two-days, on the defensive end Philly will need to make sure that he and his teammates face heavy resistance and force them to take difficult shots on each possession. Wembamyama will get his, but it will be important to shut down everyone else in a Spurs uniform and limit them to one possession on the offensive end. Additionally, the Sixers will need to keep the ball moving during their offensive possessions, the paint may not be available with Wemby  there so it will be even more important for Philly to make their shots from the perimeter and three-point line if they want to get their 29^th victory of the season and push their win streak to six games.