GRADES: Embiid explodes as Sixers crush Mavs

The Philadelphia 76ers received an MVP performance from Joel Embiid as the game was out of hand by the fourth quarter.

A matchup featuring two of the top-10 players in the league highlighted just how far Embiid has stepped forward his game this year. The Dallas Mavericks were without their second all-star caliber player in Kristaps Porzingis, but they may have been mercy on the thin big man.

Embiid scored 12 in the first quarter, including eight from the free-throw line as he found his way through defenders all night. Luka Doncic chipped in nine points as Dallas trailed 26-30 entering the second quarter.

Furkan Korkmaz helped Philadelphia early in the second quarter with Embiid resting. Pouring in nine points in just over four minutes helped Philadelphia grow their lead to seven before Embiid returned.

When Embiid did return, in a five-minute stretch, Embiid scored 11 points, including seven in just under a minute helping Philadelphia enter halftime leading 60-48.

The third quarter was even more pure brilliance from Embiid as he scored the first nine points for Philadelphia extending their lead to 17. Doncic tried mightily but they couldn’t compete with Philadelphia’s size, primarily in the middle.

The fourth quarter was predominately garbage time. Philadelphia entered leading by 19 points and sat most of their starters. The second unit got some valuable reps and tonight Korkmaz had the hot hand from the guard rotation.

When the buzzer sounded, Philadelphia raised their arms taking a key road game from Dallas, 113-95.

Grades from the Sixers’ blowout victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

26 mins | 36 pts | 7 reb | 2 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 10-17 FG | 2-3 3PT| 14-15 FT | 1 PF | +8 |

Embiid is beyond coming out games. He has statement games, but those are matchup predicated. Tonight, was different because it was all of the greatness together and on a random regular-season game that is reminiscent of Shaquille O’Neal and the seemingly effortless domination a truly imposing force can have on an inferior presence. The skill, the shooting touch, the creativity all complemented a gargantuan figure who wouldn’t be deterred from what he wanted. A masterpiece performance through and through.

18 mins | 20 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 2 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 7-10 FG | 4-7 3PT| 2-3 FT | 1 PF | +5 |

Philadelphia has assembled a cavalcade of guards who are all capable of microwave scoring. Korkmaz rose to the calling tonight. He joined Embiid as the only player to score more than ten points. Efficient shooting and capable effort/results elsewhere is a perfect game for Korkmaz, for any of the cavalcade.

24 mins | 8 pts | 6 reb | 7 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 3-6 FG | 0-0 3PT| 2-6 FT | 4 PF | +9 |

A slightly below-average game earns a score reminiscent. Simmons has looked tired and/or unmotivated at this juncture in the season. He isn’t alone as well touch on in a minute. Doncic had a decent game and Simmons had a less than stellar one. Hopefully, he can turn the dial up a meter as the season ends.

28 mins | 10 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 1 stl | 2 blk | 1 TO | 4-11 FG | 1-2 3PT| 1-2 FT | 1 PF | +16 |

Perhaps unfairly, I question Simmons’ motor whereas Harris I can’t help but speculate needs a week or two. Harris, not Simmons, shouldered the burden when Embiid was gone. He appears to have tired legs and perhaps that could help. Philadelphia will need the best version of Harris come playoffs, that should be as much a focus as any.

24 mins | 10 pts | 3 reb | 5 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 3-6 FG | 0-1 3PT| 4-6 FT | 3 PF | +16 |

Truly a testament to the second-round guard. This score is average. It is also generous. Milton earns the grade because it is a reminder of how far he has come. Fine shooting with ten points and five assists would have been great. Now it feels disappointing and he deserves a lot of credit for that.

Dallas will be looking to avoid a three-game losing streak as they go on the road to Tennessee to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Philadelphia will host the Brooklyn Nets in a battle for first-place in the Eastern Conference as both games will be primetime, Wednesday, on ESPN.