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3rd quarter was key in Sixers’ 101-91 win v.s. Hawks

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Ersan Ilyasova #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Ersan Ilyasova #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers lead the league in third quarter point differential (plus 12.9) and did it again as they outscored Atlanta 39-18 in the third quarter on route to a 101-91 victory.

The Philadelphia 76ers were outscored by Atlanta by 11 points in the first, second and fourth quarters. Fortunately the 76ers turned on their typical third quarter charm outscoring Atlanta 39-18. Philly led 86-59 after three quarters which was enough to gain their 45 win of the season, 101-91 against Atlanta.

Philly led at halftime despite shooting an anemic 40 percent and 10 percent (yes, 10 percent) from three point range. 76ers power forward Dario Saric had his worst half as a Sixer (0-6) and forward Robert Covington was 1-7 from three point range. The Sixers were carried the first half by point guard Ben Simmons, who almost had a triple double (11-7-7) and Ersan Ilyasova who had 11 points (4-8 shooting) against his former team.

STAT GEEKS

The 76ers rained three pointers in the third quarter. As a team they shot 6-9 from three in the third quarter. Simmons recorded his eleventh triple double of the season (13-12-11) in the third quarter. J.J. Redick had an efficient game scoring 19 points on (8-14) shooting. Ersan Ilyasova (21 points on 8-16 shooting and 16 rebounds) and the center combination of Amir Johnson and Richaun Holmes totaled 7 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists.

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THE MARKELLE WATCH

Point guard Markelle Fultz played 19 minutes, scored 10 points on 4-8 shooting, was 2-2 from the foul line with 0 turnovers and 2 steals and played with confidence. More importantly his jumper looks to be fixed. It was good that Brown give him extended minutes at the end.

SUBTLE STUFF

Simmons looked more relaxed throwing behind the back passes and jump shooting. Simmons jump shot in rhythm going across the lane right to left is unstoppable and could be his signature shot going forward. For those worried about Simmons jump shooting, his form on that shot when in rhythm is beautiful. He should be a very solid jump shooter shortly.

Philly adjusted both offensively and defensively with Embiid out. They got into their offensive sets quicker and defensively they were more aggressive out front – there were fewer guard forward switches and more defensive run outs to force Hawk shooters off the three point line.Brett Brown still kept TJs minutes down as he only played 14 minutes.

HEAD SCRATCHERS

I’m curious if asked how Marco Belinelli would define “bad shot”. For the stat geek apprentices – Furkan Korkmaz was an incredible minus 12 in only 4 minutes. Has any Sixer gotten a lower plus minus in only 4 minutes this season?

Next: Sixers' 2012 playoff run and everything else

NEXT GAME: Sunday at Charlotte