Brett Brown’s Sixers faced a tough task against the Los Angeles Lakers. Missing Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the team was also missing Josh Richardson, making that three injured starters. Without surprise, the Sixers fell to the Lakers and were bullied by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Al Horford was overwhelmed against Davis (who can blame him) and it got to him offensively, defensively, and mentally. It is surprising that the game wasn’t a complete blowout since the Sixers were without three of their four best players.
Sixer of the Game: Glen Robinson III
The Sixers’ player of the game is someone who hopefully broke out of a huge slump. Since arriving via a trade with the Golden State Warriors, Glenn Robinson III or “GR3” as some know him, has struggled with his role in the offense. He has been outspoken about the way his role was explained and he had a point, Brett Brown’s offense has been a question since he became the Sixers’ Head Coach.
What complicated the matter is that GR3 had also struggled to make wide open shots. Before the Lakers game, Robinson had missed all ten of his three-point attempts. Shooting was one of the top reasons, if not THE reason, the Sixers traded for him but he did not deliver.
Then finally, against the Lakers with an opportunity to show off his value, Robinson went off. Scoring 25 points off 10/15 shooting, Robinson was determined to prove his worth. He also made not only his first three since the trade, but his first three! He finished the night 3/5 from deep. While other Sixers have had more individually impressive games, this showing was much needed.
The Rest
The Sixers were just plain outmatched against the Lakers. The outcome isn’t surprising. Brett Brown said after the game that the Lakers were playing playoff basketball while the Sixers got “bent over”, Brown stated “Sadistically, we love it…You want to figure out what life is like in the playoffs? Do what we just did…“. It’s an interesting and positive point. While the team lost, it was an opportunity for younger players (Shake Milton & Furkan Korkmaz) to feel that playoff intensity while preparing players who will have prominent roles off the bench (Alec Burks & GR3).
Up Next…
The Sixers continue their road trip across Cali as they travel to Sacramento to face off against De’Aaron Fox and the Kings. This game is interesting with the recent chatter of the Sixers looking to trade Al Horford in the summer. One possible destination would be Sacramento in a deal that could potentially see Buddy Hield come to Philly.
The game will take place March 4th, with tip-off scheduled for 10 PM EST. You can watch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or as always you can hear the game at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.
Mandatory Credit – © Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
