The Sixer Sense
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RECAP: Philadelphia 76ers 108, Cleveland Cavaliers 97

By Ethan Piechota

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 1: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers hug before the game on March 1, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 1: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers hug before the game on March 1, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-97 in a pivotal matchup for a number of different reasons on Wednesday night.

The race for LeBron James is on. I think it’s fairly safe to say that the Philadelphia 76ers got off to a great start in this marathon as well, with a very solid 108-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road tonight.

A number of things stood out all game that made this win even more impressive. For one, this wasn’t one of Joel Embiid‘s best games, as the big man struggled all night to find a rhythm in what should have been a favorable game for him against the Cavaliers’ undersized big guys’.

The Sixers supporting cast stepped up tonight and picked up Embiid’s slack, playing an excellent all-around game. All five starters scored in double figures.

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Second, Ben Simmons played with an absolute fire under his belt tonight. The inevitable Rookie of the Year was aggressive attacking the rim all game, which is only right with LeBron paying close attention.

Simmons was assertive and exceptional defensively when guarding the King. You can argue that Simmons was the main reason the 76ers were able to pull this one off and get the victory.

Third was the 76ers team defense tonight. Guys were flying around all game on that side of the ball, scrapping and getting stops though periods in which shots weren’t falling.

Robert Covington and Simmons were both exceptional guarding and containing James tonight. Embiid was stuck in a couple of situations where he was in isolations against guards around the perimeter, but held his own all game.

Not only was this win huge for the recruitment of James either, as the Sixers narrowed the gap between them and the Cavs, sitting just 2.5 games behind the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

34 mins | 17 pts | 14 reb | 6 ast | 0 stl | 1blk | 2 TO | 7-18 FG | 0-1 3PT| 3-8 FT | 1 PF | +16 +/-|<p><b>Summary:</b> This wasn’t one of Joel Embiid’s trademark performances, even though the stat line of 14 rebounds and six assists may signify otherwise. The big man from Cameroon seemed bothered at points during the game by the likes of <a href=. C. Philadelphia 76ers. JOEL EMBIID. C+

PG. Philadelphia 76ers. BEN SIMMONS. A. 32 mins | 18 pts | 9 reb | 8 ast | 2 stl | 1 blk | 2 TO | 8-14 FG | 0-0 3PT| 2-2 FT | 5 PF | +11 +/-|<p><b>Summary: </b>This may have been Ben Simmons’ best game all year long, and he’s posted six triple-doubles. Simmons was just huge tonight as a leader and game manager, picking his sports and taking over when need be. He certainly made an impression on King James tonight.</p>

B-. 30 mins | 16 pts | 9 reb | 0 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 5-13 FG | 2-5 3PT| 4-4 FT | 3 PF | +18 +/-|<p><b>Summary: </b>Saric struggled with shooting the ball again tonight, but The Homie came up big when it mattered, drilling a game-turning corner three to put the Sixers back up by four with two minutes remaining.</p>. PF. Philadelphia 76ers. DARIO SARIC

A-. 29 mins | 21 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 7-11 FG | 4-7 3PT| 4-6 FT | 3 PF | +17 +/-|<p><b>Summary:</b> Thank you J.J. Finally, the veteran sharpshooter appears to have snapped out of his shooting slump with this big-time performance. He got off to an excellent start with 9 points in the first quarter, and was consistent throughout. Redick’s ability to produce these kind of games will be huge for the 76ers playoff push.</p>. SG. Philadelphia 76ers. J.J. REDICK

ERSAN ILYASOVA. B-. 18 mins | 6 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 2-5 FG | 0-2 3PT| 2-2 FT | 2 PF | -7 +/-|<p><strong>Summary: </strong>It was a quiet re-debut for Sixers legend <a href=. PF. Philadelphia 76ers

LeBron to Philly

Here he comes. Soon, we’ll all look back and laugh at the videos of Joel and Bron laughing together whilst on different teams. When James joins the 76ers next year, all the speculation will be an afterthought.

The Philadelphia 76ers did their part to show him why the 76ers are an excellent landing spot for him this summer, bringing energy and 100 percent effort and grit all game.

The only damper on the audition may have been when Dario Saric dunked the ball late with the shot clock off, which LeBron nor Jordan Clarkson appreciated. Dario, we love you but please don’t cost us this.

Amidst the LeBron talk, the Philadelphia 76ers of this season get a big win on the road against a great team, snapping their two-game losing skid and improving their overall record to 33-27 as the playoff race intensifies.

Next: Markelle Fultz is Making Progress

The Sixers will take on the Charlotte Hornets at home tomorrow. Joel Embiid’s status is uncertain for the back-to-back.