The Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night as the team managed to rebound nicely after their loss to the Nets.
They controlled the majority of the contest and were able to win 115-103. The young Thunder hung around all game to push the Sixers but were never able to get close enough to threaten in the second half. The Sixers were led by Seth Curry (28 pts, 3 rebs, 3 asts) and Joel Embiid (22 pts, 9 rebs, 6 asts), while the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (29 pts) led the scoring for the Thunder.
Seth Curry
Seth Curry continued his hot start to the season with a first-quarter to remember. He scored 23 first-quarter points while hitting 6 threes. Embiid and others found him for open threes on kick-outs. He also was able to get to the rim via the pick and roll and pump fakes. Curry has really embraced being aggressive and hunting his own shots. If Curry continues to be aggressive from three, it will continue to open up things for his teammates.
Danny Green
Danny Green ended tonight’s game with 11 points and three 3-pointers, but he just doesn’t look the same. Green hasn’t looked the same on offense or defense since the season began. He hasn’t gotten as many corner-three looks as he got last year, but something seems off. Danny had a slow start last year, so hopefully, he picks it up as the season moves along.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid was questionable coming into the game with right knee soreness. The soreness began after he banged knees in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans. Embiid was solid throughout as he helped control the paint when he was in the game. Joel had an amazing block in the first quarter that showed he could still jump with the best of them, even with his sore knee.
Darius Bazley tried to dunk on the big fella on the fast break, and Joel turned him away viciously. Embiid did a good job passing out of double teams and ended up with 6 assists and no turnovers. If Joel can continue to limit his turnovers, it will go a long way for this team.
Point Furk
With Tyrese Maxey starting and Shake Milton injured, Furkan Korkmaz continued to run the second as the point guard against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Korkmaz wasn’t as effective scoring the ball against the Thunder but looks comfortable handling the ball. He did have some small trouble when he was pressured but played well overall. Korkmaz usually handles the ball for the Turkish National Team, and those reps are paying off for the Sixers.
Moving the Ball
It seemed like the Sixers moved the ball a little bit better this game. Without Ben Simmons, there has been a drop in playmaking, and the team has to do it collectively. The Sixers had 25 assists tonight on 41, made field goals, and did a much better job moving the ball in the fourth quarter. The team has to continue to move the ball, so the offense doesn’t get stagnant.
The Sixers face off against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at 7 PM. With that game being nationally televised, the atmosphere in MSG should be electric, and we should expect the Sixers to be up for the challenge.
