By: Kylan Watson
The new look Philadelphia 76ers faced off with the Atlanta Hawks for the season finale of their regular season match-up. Atlanta dominated the majority of this game as once again the Sixers fell victim to not having enough bodies to field a competitive team right now. However, despite that they fought throughout this game and made it close, but a Trae Young offensive explosion put this game on ice for the Hawks as they won the contest 127-121.
Philly was able to get a good look at their new additions Buddy Hield (20 points) and Cam Payne (20 points) as they played for the majority of this game, because of the lack of bodies because of various injuries and the flu running rampant through the Sixers locker room. Both of them proved why Philly traded for them as they were able to hit three-point shots and create shot opportunities something that has not been happening consistently since Joel Embiid went down last week. They combined for 40 of Philly’s 121 points and if they had some more bodies available, they could have pulled this game out. Kelly Oubre Jr (28-points) and Tobias Harris (21 points) joined the scoring party they were both able to cash in on the shot opportunities created from their own aggressiveness and the ones created for them by Hield and Payne. If tonight was any indication those two should be a big lift for Philly once they get acclimated if nothing else both of them give the Sixers two dynamic players who can handle the ball, create shots, and get assists. Something their offense has been sorely lacking over the last nine games. The Sixers at this point are just trying to get healthy and get to the All Star Break next week. Something they sorely need to get this team together for the stretch run that begins later this month.
On how he felt after his first game and Philly, “I’m just happy to be a Sixer. I’ve been watching the Sixers my whole life. I’m just happy to be here, happy to be in this city. The fans and everybody have been great, embracing me. I’m soaking it all in,” said Hield.
The Hawks gave the Sixers all they could handle throughout this game. They attacked the paint and made 16/36 three-pointers in this contest. That was the difference maker in this contest as Atlanta outscored and out passed the Sixers, they had 31 assists by the end of this game. Their ball movement created more opportunities that they were able to cash in on. Philly would shut down their paint attacks and leave the three-point line open for business and the Hawks made it rain in the Wells Fargo Center tonight. The Sixers are sorely missing a defensive playmaker and the Hawks showed no mercy cutting up Philly like they were a cheese grater in a sandwich shop. When it got to winning time late in the fourth quarter when the Sixers were making a final push. Trae Young (37 points, had 12 assists, and made five three-pointers in the game) shut it down hitting some back breaking three-pointers and lay-ups to finish this game for the Hawks.
The Sixers will now head to Washington DC to face the Wizards tomorrow night. They are another team that is struggling and will look to change their season by taking full advantage of a weakened Philly squad. Philly will need to hit their shots consistently and take advantage of the high percentage shots created from their ball movement. Something they did not cash in on enough in tonight’s contest. If tonight is any indication the addition of Hield and Payne should help with the shot making and creation. Additionally, the Sixers perimeter defense will need to be stronger if they want to slowdown Jordan Poole, he needs to see constant bodies and take well contested shots. If they give him wide open opportunities, he can shoot them right out of DC. They need to make his teammates beat them and limit the Wizards to one shot opportunity per possession. If they can do all that they can get their 31st victory of the season and end their four-game losing streak.