The 2018 NBA Al-Star game is in the books and the Sixers have 27 games remaining on their schedule. Currently, at 30-25 and on a five game win streak, the team is looking to make the final push toward the playoffs.
Joel Embiid and the All-Star game:
Joel had a big weekend. He played a few minutes in the Rising Stars game along with Ben Simmons and Dario Saric on the victorious World Team. HE lost in the second round of the Skills Challenge and then got to start the main attraction in the front court for Team Curry in the All-Star Game. Embiid didn’t disappoint finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Included in those was an early three pointer, from way downtown, over Russell Wesbrook and then on the next possession, he swatted back and grabbed his own block of Westbrook’s attempted layup. The rivalry with those two was mentioned and continues to be a thing, even though they only play a couple of times a year. Joel earned the praises of lots of people, most notably Kevin Durant who said that Embiid would be running the league when Durant decides to leave. All in all, it was a great weekend for “The Process”.
The Snub:
Ben Simmons had his typical game in the Rising Stars Challenge. He finished with 11 points, 13 assists and 6 rebounds while playing for the World Team. The vision and mobility that we Sixers fans have grown accustomed to seeing were on full display. Pinpoint passes, some nice drives and also four steals were typical Simmons. If there was any questions regarding Simmons before the game, there shouldn’t be after it. While he didn’t score the most points, he still controlled a good part of the game and ultimately, his team won. When Ben decides he’s comfortable shooting his jump shot, the league is in for some real trouble.
The homie:
Dario Saric was the Sixers third weekend representative and, like Simmons, held his own against the best first and second year players. 18 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists are pretty good stats, but the big one is the continued good shooting that Dario has displayed of late. 57% from downtown in the game going 4 of 7. In his last five regular season games, Saric is averaging 19.4 points to go along with almost 7 rebounds. He’s stepping up at the right time for the team and should be a huge piece for them as they head towards the playoffs.
Ultimately, the All-Star Weekend is meant to showcase all of the best talent in the NBA and the Sixers were well represented. The guys didn’t disappoint on any level and brought more attention to a team that’s finally on the rise in the NBA.
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
