By: Kylan Watson

After beating the Toronto Raptors on Sunday Night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, the number one seed in the Western Conference. The Sixers and Thunder traded blows throughout this game and thanks to a late game scoring explosion by a returning Joel Embiid. Philly was able to beat the Thunder 109-105.

The Sixers once again started this game off hot they were able to cash in on the high-percentage shooting opportunities created off their ball movement. That put the Thunder on their heels early in this contest. The Sixers were able to get more wide-open shots than they have throughout the last two months thanks to the return of Joel Embiid (24 points, grabbed six rebounds, and had seven assists). The reigning MVP looked good throughout this game even though it was clear he is not in game shape just yet. The added attention that he got by just being on the court opened up opportunities for his teammates to make OKC pay for giving them wide-open shots.

On his recovery from the torn meniscus tear and its impact on him, “It was not a good ride. Usually when I have injuries, I just tell myself, ‘Move on, onto the next one. Get better, and fix it.’ But this one, it took a toll mentally. Being depressed – it was not a good one. I’m still not where I’m supposed to be, especially mentally. But I just love to play. I love basketball. I want to play. Any chance that I can be out there, I’m gonna take it,” said Embiid.

Kelly Oubre Jr. found his stroke early and often during this game. He scored 25 points, and his length gave the Thunder fits in this game. Oubre Jr. was responsible for causing two pivotal turnovers that led to two easy buckets for him that helped the Sixers stay ahead of the Thunder. His two-way ability was huge for the Sixers tonight and will be important when the postseason happens later this month. Philly’s one weakness has been the inability of their wings to defend the opposing team’s best player. If he can play stifling defense like he did tonight, that should not be an issue in the playoffs. His defensive ability will be the difference between a long playoff run for the Sixers and a short one.

The Thunder were able to weather the two-way explosion from Oubre Jr. and Embiid. They started making their three-point opportunities and that allowed them to retake the lead. Chet Holmgren scored 22 points and was a problem for the Sixers. Philly could not stop them every time they tried, he either got them to foul him or grabbed an offensive rebound and put points on the board. Nick Nurse had to put Joel Embiid on him to keep him in check during the fourth quarter. His defense on him forced the Thunder to take shots that they could not make, and he was able to steal the ball from Josh Giddey and make two pivotal free throws that helped Philly win this game.

On his performance tonight, “I think my biggest impact is just being out there, and defensively. That’s why I was happy I got the last stop of the game ’cause I think I’m the best defender in the league,” said Embiid.

These next six games will give Embiid time to get back in game shape, but his closing ability has been missed and when it mattered the most he came through for the Sixers. Philly will now start a three-game road trip in Miami on Thursday Night. The Sixers will need to continue cashing in on the high-percentage shot opportunities created off their ball movement. If they can cash in on those opportunities like they did tonight, that should help them keep up with the Heat’s explosive offense. Additionally, Philly will need to stay attached to their defensive assignments and limit the Heat to one possession on the offensive side. If they can implement these things into their game plan for Thursday night, they can get their 42^nd victory of the season.