GAME RECAP: Philadelphia 76ers dominate Orlando Magic 130-111
By Bret Stuter
With Ben Simmons out for the game, the Philadelphia 76ers had to oppose the Orlando Magic shorthanded. They did it handily in a 130-111 win.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been showing signs of significant improvement, but there remains that disappointing cloud in the periphery vision. The team dropped a game to the Sacramento Kings on the west coast road trip. With the Philadelphia 76ers short handed and facing a hungry Orlando Magic, the sting of a dropped game was certainly on the back of Sixers fans minds.
But this is a Philadelphia 76ers that is beginning to believe. Much like “Neo” in The Matrix trilogy, these Philadelphia 76ers appear to be unstoppable now.
Now the Orlando Magic is not exactly the cream of the NBA crop. Earlier in the season, the Magic were 8-4. But they entered the Philadelphia 76ers amidst a seven game losing streak. Still, losing teams tend to be hungrier, and the Philadelphia had to turn them back wtihout Ben Simmons, and with an cold-weakened Embiid.
The game did not begin as well as Philadelphia 76ers fans hoped. Orlando controlled the lead for the majority of the first quarter. It was not until Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot hit his sole three-point shot with 30 seconds remaining which put the Philadelphia 76ers up with a three point lead. The Sixers would not relinquish that lead for the rest of the game.
J. J. REDICK. A+. 33 mins | 29 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 10-18 FG | 8-12 3PT| 1-1 FT | 2 PF | 13 +/-| <b>Summary:</b>J.J. Redick showed why he was an ideal free agent signing for the Philadelphia 76ers. With no Ben Simmons, Redick stepped up with nearly laser guided accuracy. More impressive than the number of three-point shots attempted (11) was the number of treys made (08). He was the hot hand of the night, and certainly stepped up for the team tonight.. G. Philadelphia 76ers
<span style=. PG. Philadelphia 76ers. TJ MCCONNELL. A
A-. <span style=. C. Philadelphia 76ers. JOEL EMBIID
B+. <span style=. F. Philadelphia 76ers. DARIO SARIC
ROBERT COVINGTON. B+. 28 min | 14 pts | 8 reb | 2 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 5-7 FG | 2-4 3PT | 2-3 FT | 2 PF | 3 +/- | Summary: <a rel=. SF. Philadelphia 76ers
Some will look at the Philadelphia 76ers win and just waive it on as an expected outcome. But that would by short-sighted. There was plenty of positive events in this game. The Philadelphia 76ers bench is slowly elevating their game.
In this one, reserve point guard T.J. McConnell proved why he is an integral contributor for this team. Veteran guard Jerryd Baylessshowed that he can contribute in multiple ways for this team as well.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers: The national narrative is still wrong
The Philadelphia 76ers stepped up to the next level tonight. The team scored at will, and played worthy enough defense to keep the game outcome secure. In fact, this one of the better games so far this season, and is doubly impressive knowing that Ben Simmons sat out.