PLAYER GRADES: Philadelphia 76ers 133, Charlotte Hornets 132
In one of the most exciting games of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets behind Joel Embiid’s monster performance.
What. A. Game. After giving up a 21-point lead to Kemba Walker‘s Hornets, the Philadelphia 76ers stormed back to force overtime and eventually win. It was unexpected, entertaining, and it was absolutely thrilling.
The Sixers did an excellent job containing Walker in the early game, but he eventually found his rhythm in the fourth quarter. He scored 19 of his 30 points in that one quarter. I repeat, IN ONE QUARTER.
For all of his greatness, however, he seemed to be carrying the team by himself. Sophomore Malik Monk had a rough game shooting 4-19 from the field and Jeremy Lamb was the second-highest scorer for Charlotte with 17. The Hornets have been relying heavily on Kemba to carry them towards a winning record and it may be too much to ask.
Philadelphia was able to celebrate a win due to late-game heroics by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, who may be the first players to get their grades.
Here’s the grades.
JOEL EMBIID. A. <strong>39 mins | 42 pts | 18 reb | 4 ast | 0 stl | 4 blk | 3 TO | 11-18 FG | 1-2 3PT| 19-22 FT | 4 PF |+ 9 |</strong><p>BIG SHOT JOJO. The biggest superstars make the biggest shots and Joel’s three, with under a minute left in the fourth quarter, was as big as it gets. In other news, Joel Embiid lives at the line. During the last quarter of the game, there was a 6:38 gap between field goals for the Sixers and the only reason the team was able to stay within arms length of the Hornets was due to Joel’s ability to draw fouls.</p>. C. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers. BEN SIMMONS. A. <strong>41 mins | 22 pts | 8 reb | 13 ast | 2 stl | 3 blk | 3 TO | 9-15 FG | 0-0 3PT| 3-6 FT | 4 PF | -2 |</strong><p>Someone needs to call Van Helsing because there was a statistical monster on the floor tonight that goes by the name Ben Simmons. A season-high 13 assists was just the icing on the cake for the sophomore point guard.</p><p>More important than the numbers, though, was his determination to take over the last few plays of overtime by driving to the basket. Ben’s grade was instantly bumped up a peg for his block on Kemba Walker’s three point attempt in the closing seconds of the game. He has become a legitimate contender for a spot on one of the All-Defensive teams.</p>. PG
B. <strong>30 mins | 7 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 0 stl | 4 blk | 0 TO | 2-8 FG | 1-7 3PT| 2-2 FT | 5 PF | -9 |</strong><p>Although <a rel=. SF. Philadelphia 76ers. ROBERT COVINGTON
DARIO SARIC. B. <strong>40 mins | 18 pts | 9 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 1 blk | 5 TO | 6-13 FG | 4-8 3PT| 2-2 FT | 4 PF | -3 |</strong><p>SUPER DARIO! Dario has continued to look fresh after coming back to life during in Wednesday’s win against the Indiana Pacers. Dario was knocking down shots, fighting for offensive rebounds, and even had a monstrous block during the third quarter. Although he did have some issues — his foul on <a rel=. PF. Philadelphia 76ers
C+. <strong>37 mins | 17 pts | 2 reb | 4 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 7-16 FG | 2-9 3PT| 1-1 FT | 1 PF | 8 |</strong><p><a rel=. SG. Philadelphia 76ers. J.J. REDICK
In other news, being able to see the new Rocky-Inspired Jerseys on our players helped show how great they really look. Many fans, including me, were concerned after the unveiling, but seeing them in action put me at ease.
Next. 2019 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0. dark
The Sixers continue their undefeated streak at home. The challenge comes on the road where they have only won one game so far this season. The team will travel overnight to face the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow night. They are sure to be tired after going to overtime tonight, but hopefully they will be able to take care of business.