Without Joel Embiid, the Sixers had to take on the Charlotte Hornets with a huge hole in the middle. That was especially the case with Andre Drummond out as well.
The substitute for Embiid and Drummond was Guerschon Yabusele, and he did a decent job collecting 12 rebounds. Protecting the rim was another thing. The 76ers were outscored in the paint, while Yabusele recorded a single block. His offense struggled, going 3-10.
The Sixers were able to get solid offensive output from Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. In the first half, George was on fire. Knocking down shots beyond the arc put even more pressure on Charlotte’s defense as the Sixers expanded their double-digit lead. Although Maxey struggled early, Jared McCain provided scoring off the bench.
McCain drove the lane and scored, but he also scored from outside. His Rookie of the Month announcement was followed up by another strong performance from the former Duke Blue Devil. McCain scored 17 in only 22 minutes.
Brandon Miller showed up in the absence of LaMelo Ball. The second-year player, who came in averaging almost 21 points per game, put up an impressive 34 points. His seven 3-pointers were more than the rest of his team had combined.
The Sixers did not struggle at all from beyond the arc. They shot 40 percent on the night, knocking down 16 threes. Going into intermission, George led the way with his hot shooting, putting the Sixers up by 11.
With no Drummond, the collective effort to compete in the paint was lost by the 76ers. They were atrocious on the glass, getting outrebounded 31-47
The Sixers were in control of this game, holding a lead that ballooned to 19 points. In the fourth quarter, though, Charlotte rallied to get within a basket with under five minutes to go.
Paul George stepped up when the Hornets tied the game 95-95. In the subsequent play, George scored on a smooth pull-up jumper. Then, he ran a successful pick-and-roll with Yabusele for a score.
With the game hanging in the balance, Maxey drove hard to his right and laid the ball off the glass for a score. His offensive aggression made the difference late in this game for Philly.
The Hornets’ best player on the night, Miller, attempted to tie the game up with under 30 seconds, but an errant shot air-balled, deflating the crowd in the Charlotte arena.
The Sixers earned a solid road win, despite almost succumbing to Charlotte’s later rally.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers will next face the Orlando Magic tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the first matchup of back-to-back home games against the Magic.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m., and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live, as always, on 97.5 FM The Fanatic.
