The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers set franchise record with 15th straight win

By Ken Jaskulski

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 10: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers jocks for a position against Dewayne Dedmon #14 and DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game on April 10, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin Liles/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 10: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers jocks for a position against Dewayne Dedmon #14 and DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game on April 10, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin Liles/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Atlanta Hawks for their 15th straight win, setting a franchise record. Philly was led by Ersan Ilyasova, J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson.

Yes, you read that correctly.  Amir Johnson was interview-worthy this evening, scoring 15 points (7-9 shooting) with eight rebounds and five assists. Amir’s performance is yet another example of bench players constantly stepping up when called upon.

The Philadelphia 76ers lost Dario Saric 13 seconds into the game when he caught an elbow in the mouth, left the game, and did not return.  Saric suffered a cut lip and chipped tooth.  His status for Wednesday’s game against Milwaukee is uncertain.

The bench stepped up with Ersan Ilyasova contributing 26 points (8-16 shooting) and eight rebounds.  J.J. Redick scored 28 points (9-17 shooting), Marco Belinelli scored 20 points, and Ben Simmons had 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Atlanta was led by Taurean Prince, who scored 27 points, however only shot 9-25.

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Philly’s bench, which was considered a weakness early in the season, is now a strength thanks to the acquisitions of Ilyasova and Belinelli and the emergence of Markelle Fultz. The bench will be critical if the Sixers want to advance to the second round of the playoffs, especially since Embiid might miss time in the first round.

STAT GEEKS

Philly had 29 assists to 18 turnovers and out-rebounded Atlanta 54-39.  Ben Simmons had six turnovers.  Markelle Fultz and Marco Belinelli were a combined +23. The Sixers set a franchise record 15th straight win.

MARKELLE FULTZ WATCH

Fultz’s stat line was 19 minutes played, four points (2-6 shooting), five rebounds, and three assists. He continues to play aggressively. He gets in trouble on occasion, trying to be to aggressive taking the ball to the basket, however it’s better to be too aggressive than too passive.

REF REPORT

It was a chippy game that for the most part was called OK. There was one horrible call against Simmons. Simmons was driving to the basket when he got contacted by a defender. Simmons pushed off after getting contacted as a result of the contact.

The official called a foul on Simmons then, like most incompetent officials, called a technical on Simmons after he complained about his horrible call. It was one of the few times Simmons has gotten animated this season.

SEEDINGS

I almost hope the Sixers lose Wednesday and fall to the fourth slot.  By losing, Philly gets the winning streak monkey off their back and will play Indiana. I believe Indiana would be a better match up for the 76ers than Milwaukee or Miami without Embiid. Philly is playing well, no matter who they play.

Next: Are the Sixers better without Embiid?

NEXT GAME: Wednesday against Milwaukee