Following their defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves back at the Crypto.com arena to face off against the Clippers. The focus of the Sixers was simply on getting back in the win column, but the underlying storyline was focused on James Harden, as this would be the first matchup between the future Hall of Famer and his former squad since their dramatic offseason split.
The Sixers, in need of a win as they sat eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, came out of the gates firing on all cylinders behind a strong effort by Tobias Harris. This was Harris’ second game since his return from an ankle injury, and much like in the first against the Lakers, he looked for his shot early and often. What differed in this game is that Harris was actually hitting those shots, finishing the first half with 19 points on nine of 14 shooting.
Philadelphia would set the tone early and get out to a quick 12-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Sixers relentlessly pushed the tempo, out-running the Clippers and keeping them from setting their defense. Kelly Oubre was crucial to the team’s success on the break as a facilitator of all roles, racking up six assists on the night.
The Clippers made a push in the second quarter, but thanks to Harris and the Sixers bench, who combined for the Sixers’ entire 22 points in the second, Philadelphia was able to maintain a seven-point lead heading into the second half.
One player off the pine who truly stood out for the Sixers was Cam Payne, who continues to improve seemingly with every game. Dropping 23 points with five threes made and two blocks, Payne was a difference maker, both freeing Tyrese Maxey up for opportunity and also holding down the fort when Maxey sat was crucial.
Payne came into the afternoon averaging over 11 points per game over his last 10 appearances and improved that number with his performance in this game. While the expectation when the Sixers signed Kyle Lowry, who sat this game for rest, was that Payne would find himself the odd man out, he continues to prove himself one of the most electric options, not only off the bench but on the entire Sixers team.
Philadelphia continued to put their foot to the gas as the fourth quarter began, going on an 18-4 run. It was soon evident that the game was well in hand, and as the minutes began to wind down, the Sixers would bring in the deep reserves, including DJ Wilson, whom the team signed to a 10-day contract.
The final buzzer would ring with the Sixers victorious, 121-107. Sixers fans often seem to travel well, but thanks to the efforts of the Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast, fans made their way to LA in droves, supporting their team to victory and at times, making it feel like a home win.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers will be back at it again on Monday as they hang around in Cali for a matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Star Domantas Sabonis is in the midst of a double-double streak that, as of their Saturday matchup against the Orlando Magic, has tied the longest streak since the NBA-ABA merger back in 1976.
