The Philadelphia 76ers came into tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards looking to add to their win streak after a comeback win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. With a big matchup looming against the Cleveland Cavaliers later this week, the Sixers could have looked past the Wizards on Sunday. Instead, they dominated on both ends of the court against a Wizards team struggling to hold on to the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
The 76ers controlled this game from start to finish, with the game really never in question. The Sixers were led by Joel Embiid, who had what seemed like an easy 34 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. James Harden, Tobias Harris, and De’Anthony Melton were the other three Sixers who were in double figures against the Wizards.
The Wizards stars were held in check tonight, and the only player that kept the Wizards in it early was Corey Kispert. Kispert scored 25 points off the bench and tried to do as much as he could to keep his team in it.
MVPIID
Joel Embiid continued his recent dominance in this contest against the Washington Wizards. He started off the night scorching, scoring 14 points in the first quarter. His offensive bag was on full display, hitting mid-range jumpers left and right and finishing through contact. He had a moment late in the second quarter where he crossed over Wizard’s center Daniel Gafford. The sequence looked like something out of an And-1 mixtape. Embiid ended the night with an effortless 34 points in 31 minutes, sitting the whole fourth quarter with the 76ers up big.
Embiid’s defense and energy were tremendous tonight and helped set the tone for his team against the Wizards. He blocked four shots and affected a lot of shots when Washington drove to the rim. There were a number of times when Embiid made the opponent second guess driving to the rim. When he’s able to roam, it allows him to defend the rim and deter baseline drives.
Joel Embiid’s MVP campaign is alive and well, and his two-way abilities were on display tonight. He was second on the most recent MVP Ladder but should be over to overtake favorite Nikola Jokic. Embiid’s play speaks for itself, and if continues playing like this, he is going to make it hard for Jokic to win three straight MVPs.
Lockdown Defense
From the tip, the Sixers had good defensive energy. They had active hands, getting into passing lanes and poking the ball away from the Wizards on drives to the hoop. They also did a good job on the Wizards stars Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porziņģis, who combined to score 22 points on 9-27 shooting. Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton were primarily assigned to Beal tonight and gave him fits all night.
They helped when needed and didn’t overcommit to give up open three-pointers. PJ Tucker was primarily assigned to Porziņģis, which made him uncomfortable all evening. Tyrese Maxey continued his improvement on the defensive end, guarding Monte Morris full court and creating some ball pressure.
Dropping Dimes
James Harden continues to orchestrate one of the best offensives in the league and the best two-man game in the NBA. Harden ended the night with 18 points and 14 assists, dropping plenty of dimes to Embiid and company. Overall, the team moved the ball and had a total of 29 assists, and kept the ball moving for the most part. Harden truly has become one of the best playmakers in the league and reshaped his game for the betterment of the team. He did have a vintage Harden moment against Monte Morris by shedding him and hitting a step-back three-pointer in from of the Sixers’ bench.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers will have two days of rest until they travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Wednesday March 15th at 7:30 PM.
