The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers squeak by Knicks 118-110.

By Ken Jaskulski

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers won a desperately needed road game, toppling the New York Knicks 118-110.

The Philadelphia 76ers, once a team without draft picks, talented players, nor salary cap space, adopted drastic steps to fix that. Dubbed “Trusting  The Process” by then-player Tony Wroten to assure the fans, the phrase stuck. Now “The Process” includes players growing emotionally.  Translated, it means understanding that in the NBA there are no “off nights”.  And even more so, on any given night any team can be beaten. The Sixers sleep-walked against an inferior Knicks team for almost three and a half quarters and were on the verge of losing. Fortunately the Sixers rebounded to outscore the Knicks 25-9 in the last 7.5 minutes of the game to erase an eight point fourth quarter deficit and beat the Knicks 118-110.

The Knicks scored 68 points in the first half.  Unfortunately, the Philadelphia 76ers again had trouble staying in front of their defensive assignments and did not challenge jump shots with effort. The Knicks Michael Beasley was very efficient offensively (11-16 for 24 points and 13 rebounds. Beasley received help from Trey Burke (The AI lookalike) with 16 points and Ernest Kanter with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Sixers’ bench did not have one of their best efforts and struggled. In addition the Sixers turned the ball over 9 times in the first half.

110. 27. 118. 93. Final

Balanced offense

The Sixers won this game because of balanced scoring from their starters.  Led by center Joel Embiid (29 points and 10 rebounds) who played like a franchise player, especially down the stretch. Rookie point guard Ben Simmons had his second consecutive triple double (13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists). Dario Saric (21 points and 12 rebounds) hit a big three down the stretch. And shooting guard J.J. Reddick also hit a big three (15 points, plus 12). Rounding out the starters, small forward Robert Covington (15 points on 5-8 shooting, plus 11) found his shots in the flow of the game. The Sixers also took better care of the ball in the second half, turning it over only five times.

While the team pulled out the win, they have to understand that in the playoffs they will need a 48 minute effort, not an eight minute effort from the starters. The Sixers will also need consistent bench production, however a win is a win.

Head scratching moments: Why is Amir Johnson on the floor when he cannot stay in front of Kyle O’Quinn? Also why is Joel Embiid getting substituted for by TJ McConnell at the end for DEFENSIVE PURPOSES? It took the Knicks all of five seconds to get TJ caught in a pick and roll and O’Quinn got an easy shot. Also how does Saric only get 29 minutes while Elyasova (3-13 shooting) plays 24 minutes and TJ McConnell 22 minutes? When Simmons is rested, he tends to stay off the court for too long.

Next: NCAA Tournament: Top 5 NBA prospects from the Midwest Region

NEXT GAME: Friday March 16 against the Brooklyn Nets at home.