The Philadelphia 76ers rode strong performances from the core four to a road victory over the Utah Jazz.
Playing the first of a five-game west coast trip, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Utah Jazz in thorough fashion. After a difficult loss on Christmas Day, the Sixers needed to bounce back on national television. That’s what happened.
The Jazz were up for the entire first quarter, riding some momentum-swinging Kyle Korver shots to a 29-22 lead. The second quarter marked a shift in momentum, as the Sixers punched their way back to a 57-52 halftime advantage.
In the first quarter, it was T.J. McConnell leading the Sixers with six points. The second quarter was when Joel Embiid and J.J. Redick broke through, finishing the half with 15 points a piece. Embiid scored 10 in the second frame.
Ben Simmons struggled early, with Derrick Favors playing excellent interior defense. As the game progressed, however, Simmons got more comfortable, dropping impressive dimes, pushing the pace and making his impact felt on the defensive end.
The second half was all Philadelphia, with the Sixers jumping out to a 16-point lead after three. The core four put together strong performances, but Simmons was the set-up man as Embiid and Redick carried the scoring burden.
After notching just two free throws in the first half, the third quarter was a virtual parade to the free throw line for the Sixers. Philadelphia entered the bonus with 6:32 left in the quarter. Jazz fans — and players — weren’t too happy with the whistles at that point.
The lead ballooned to 23 in the fourth quarter, with the Sixers comfortably notching their 23rd win of the season. At 23-13, the Sixers are half a game behind Indiana for the third seed.
Also of note, the Sixers gave Jonah Bolden legitimate minutes tonight — something to keep an eye on as the road trip progresses. It was an up-and-down ride for the rookie big man, but that’s to be expected. There were definite positives, especially late in the contest.
Depth and perimeter defense remain an issue for the Sixers — Dante Exum dropped 20 off the bench — but this game serves as a reminder of how dominant Philadelphia can still be. Not every team is the Celtics, and not every overtime road loss is cause for questioning the viability of a young core.
The Sixers’ next game is in Portland on Sunday, with another semi-late tip at 9 PM E.T.