Just when this road trip was beginning to look like another bust, the Sixers proved us wrong once again. The Kings came into this game riding a hot streak, but the Sixers’ hot shooting conquered Sacramento. Led by Tobias Harris’ 28 points, Philly dethroned the Kings 125-108 in California last night.
Storyline of the Game:
Al and Tobi stepping up
Being down three starters, the Sixers were looking toward their two remaining “big-five” guys. Al Horford, who we all know has not been having the season we expected, along with Tobias Harris, needed to get their acts together and steal a win in any capacity.
Tobias Harris led Philly with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Al Horford turned in a strong all-round performance with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Horford also finished the game with a plus-41 rating, the highest of his career.
Shake Milton also continued his hot streak of starts, while Mike Scott played his most well-rounded game all season. Both starters for last night, Milton and Scott combined for 31 points, while Scott contributed backup minutes at the five.
With a minimum of one more game with Richardson, Embiid, and Simmons all being out, the Sixers will continue to rely on the likings of Horford and Harris.
Road Woes
In their 33rd attempt this season, the Sixers have now only reached their tenth win on the road. It’s tough to sit here and complain following a pretty dominating win, but the Sixers still need to get things together. The Kings cut their lead to six after Hield and Harrison Barnes made back-to-back 3-pointers to pull the Kings within 112-106 with five minutes remaining. Thankfully, Harris and Horford went on a 13-2 run to end the game.
The point is, these blown leads late in games, especially on the road, will not fare well in the playoffs. Coach Brett Brown needs to begin coaching each game like it’s at Wells Fargo Center and make better adjustments at the half.
Hopefully, this game, despite being against an inferior opponent on paper, will symbolize a much-needed change. The Sixers controlled the majority of the game, and need to continue this if they want any chance of making it out of the first round.
Onto The Next:
To finish off their Western road trip, the Sixers find themselves traveling to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors Saturday night. Just when the Sixers needed any more of a challenge on the road, Philly will get a fresh Steph Curry starting for the Warriors Saturday night. Curry, who missed 58 games this season with a hand injury, returned last night in the Warriors’ 121-113 loss to the Raptors.
Coverage begins at 8 pm, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 pm primetime on ABC.
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
