The Sixers were looking to turn things around as they faced the Charlotte Hornets. The team needed a win here as they finished their road trip with three straight losses. Starting an easier five-game swing, the Sixers had a chance to start on the right foot.
First Quarter
During the opening minutes, the Sixers continued their turnover woes. Looking sloppy and defending loosely, Philadelphia was clearly playing down to their opponents. The team did settle in as they made it a point to work down low, giving Embiid plenty of opportunity to work the post.
Teamwork was on full display as nine of the Sixers’ first ten buckets came off assists. Sharing the ball and drawing contact, the Sixers had a winning formula early on. They finished the quarter with an early nine-point lead and it felt like a game that would soon be out of reach.
Second Quarter
Holding the Hornets defensively, the Sixers locked down and managed to come away with multiple turnovers. James Ennis had an impressive run as he had active hands and finished multiple fastbreaks with energetic dunks.
The Hornets started to play themselves back into the game. Finding their outside shot and finding easy routes to the basket, the Hornets began knocking on the door.
The Sixers turned ice cold and couldn’t get a shot to fall especially from three, missing their last nine shots three-pointers. In a blink, the Hornets had the lead and the Sixers were left wondering how they would turn this around.
Third Quarter
The Sixers came out of the half looking to return to defensive dominance. They were initially successful but they still had issues keeping Cody Zeller from easy buckets.
The offense did return as Al Horford was the catalyst injecting energy that flowed to the whole team. Furkan Korkmaz too was impressive. Scoring in a myriad of ways, Korkmaz was able to keep defenders guessing.
Looking like themselves again, the Sixers were able to ride an offensive run to regain the lead. The Sixers ended the quarter up 88-81.
Fourth Quarter
The Sixers came out looking to finish this game at the start of the fourth. Starting the quarter on an eleven-to-three run, the Sixers put the pressure on the young Charlotte Hornets team.
Trey Burke and Mike Scott did all they could help this team. Burke has been exciting in his first few games as a Sixer. A terrific ability to run the offense, Burke has made an impact early. As for Mike Scott, well he’s improved his defense significantly and become the kind of team player every coach wants.
The Sixers controlled the final quarter for the most part but let the Hornets get too close for comfort in the final minutes. The Sixers did finish though with a 114-106 win.
Player of the game
Al Horford
He may not have led the team in scoring but on a night where the Sixers attacked with a well-balanced offense, it was Horford’s complete game and leadership that stood out. Scoring 15 points while shooting 78%, Horford also registered an outstanding 25 +/-.
Takeaways
Furkan is for real
I have never been a fan of Furkan Korkmaz, I always thought he had a mamba mentality while having G League level talent. This season Korkmaz is proving me wrong left and right. He has improved in every single aspect, scoring an effective 17 points.
Turnovers still a concern
Yet again the Sixers struggled with turnovers. They finished the game with an absurd 21 turnovers. This team cannot hold on to the ball and it will catch up to them in a game that matters.
Up next
The Sixers will next play Tuesday a 7:00 PM EST against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland has a young backcourt with an experienced and productive front court. The Cavs may not be a playoff team but this won’t be an easy game.
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
