Game Recap – Washinton Wizards @ Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers brought the heat against the Washington Wizards

Whatever Coach Brown said to his players during halftime ignited their competitive spirit, but a large deficit in the first half was too much to overcome as the Philadelphia 76ers lost a close one to the Washington Wizards.

The first half was reminiscent of Philly’s prior game against the Brooklyn Nets, where the Sixers struggled to put the ball in the net, while the other team ran away on the scoreboard. Again the problems started on the outset of the game, where the Wizards ended the first quarter on a strong note, while also expanding their lead throughout the second, getting their lead up to 24 points at one point.

The second half was a different story for the Sixers. It was as if Coach Brown instilled a sense of discipline and purpose in his squad and, while Philly didn’t come out like bats out of hell to scorch Washington, they did play better defense and gave trouble to all opposing players. Becoming more reliant on their defense to spark their offense helped the Sixers immensely, with the Sixers forcing 12 turnovers in the frame, taking out any momentum Washington built in the first half. Although you can argue that the Wizards took it easy, relying on their second unit for most of the quarter, that still doesn’t ignore that the Sixers clawed themselves back in the game, aided by a 13-0 run to pull within twelve several times.

Philly also had a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter as well, and the middle of the period is when the Sixers were able to tie the game up. On top of their aggressive defense, the Sixers carried that over on the offensive side and continued to attack the basket. Jerami Grant (he’s back!) was the main beneficiary of the rim assaults, as evidenced by his 14 free throw attempts, where he hit 9 of them. They especially harassed John Wall, who missed 13 shots and coughed the ball up 9 times.

The effort came up short however, as the Wizards were able to ice the game in the closing minute with clutch free throws to end the game.

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Player of the Game

Nerlens showed his heart on the court tonight, bringing intensity on both ends of the court. By the end of the game he had 16 points and 12 rebounds, leading the team in each category, while also highlighting his 7 steals to show his aggression on the defensive end. No matter who it was on the court, Nerlens always pressured them even if it was against big men or guards. He even stole the ball from John Wall, who was attempting a drive to the basket, and once Nerlens controlled it passed it to Isaiah Canaan. Unfortunately Isaiah was on the wrong end of a clothesline hook by Markieff Morris, who received a flagrant-2 call, ending his night.

Throughout the fourth, even after the hard foul, Isaiah was engaged and ready to pull the trigger for threes. In one BLOB play he had a strong drive to the basket and converted a tough layup, which forced Coach Whitman to call a timeout to settle his Wizards down. Anyone watching could tell how pumped up he was after the play when the camera showed Canaan psyching himself up while giving his biceps a little flex.

This showing was the polar opposite from Tuesday’s game, and these two lead the way to keep the game close against Washington.

Looking Ahead

The schedule gets no easier for Philly with the Oklahoma City Thunder coming to town for the second half of a back-to-back. Thing I’d like to see in this game: Nerlens getting extended minutes guarding Kevin Durant!