In what will probably be a Game of the Year candidate, the Philadelphia 76ers took down the Charlotte Hornets in overtime with a final score of 122-119. Despite an absolutely stunning 60 point performance from Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler buried the Hornets with a game winning three in the final seconds of the overtime period.
While the show that Kemba Walker put on and the dagger 3 pointer from Jimmy Buckets was certainly entertaining, let’s not overlook some other aspects of the game. Ben Simmons had his best showing of the early season. He put up 23 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists while shooting 7 of 13 from the floor and an efficient 9 of 11 from the free throw line. Simmons, who has seemed to lack some of the aggressiveness that he showed last season, was assertive on both ends of the floor and will look to follow up this dominant performance when the Sixers face the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
Also overshadowed by the incredible displays in the game was Joel Embiid’s 31 points and 11 rebounds. Embiid continues to crush opponents on a nightly basis as keeps marching forward on his path towards MVP.
Butler, who didn’t have the best of shooting games (15 points, 4 of 11 from the field), showed everyone exactly why the 76ers traded two valuable pieces for him. He was tremendous down the stretch, with 2 huge blocks on Kemba Walker in the closing moments of the game and the game winning bucket.
ALL BALL@JimmyButler | #HereTheyCome https://t.co/HxRQkpOvoq
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 18, 2018
What an INSANE play from Jimmy Butlerpic.twitter.com/4Sw9dS2TuJ
— Josh Lyons (@TheLyons_Den) November 18, 2018
JIMMY BUCKETS CALLED GAME@JimmyButler | #HereTheyCome https://t.co/Yl5w9taEqr
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 18, 2018
The Sixers were desperately lacking a go to scorer that could create his own shot in crunch time and Jimmy Butler proved that he could be that guy for the team. With a relatively easy schedule coming up ahead, Butler and the Sixers will look to build chemistry and improve on their 11-7 start.
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
