After a rough two-game stretch out West, the Philadelphia 76ers finally returned to the East Coast, wrapping up their six-game road trip in Brooklyn with a matchup against the Nets. The Sixers came in needing to finish on the right note after two losses they’d rather flush that dwell on, and that’s exactly what they did.
The Nets came into the game with a laundry list for an injury report, but Nic Claxton and the recently reacquired D’Angelo Russell were ready to welcome Embiid and company.
Joel Embiid picked up an early tech for a little extracurricular with Nets guard Keon Johnson. Following a tied-up rebound, Embiid kept holding on to the ball, and similarly, Johnson after the whistle, likely in his typical Troel nature, but Johnson and the nearby official weren’t having it, and Embiid received a tech within the first four minutes of the game.
That seemed to wake Embiid up a bit, as he would go on to score 28 points over his remaining 25 minutes played, alongside the 12 rebounds and six assists he accumulated in this game. Embiid was engaged and dominant, utilizing his size but also connecting from range and, more importantly, playing with joy. Maybe Embiid should draw a tech early in games more often.
Philadelphia would outscore Brooklyn in every quarter, leading after the first quarter by double digits, the half by 17, and would finish the game up 29 on the evening.
It was a balanced effort for the Sixers as Caleb Martin, alongside Embiid, helped the Sixers’ offense dominate in the first half. Martin finished with 17 points, all of which he scored in the first half on a perfect 7-7 shooting performance in that half.
Since coming back from his shoulder injury, Martin has averaged 11.9 points per game on 60.6% shooting from the field and 60% from three.
It wasn’t just Embiid and Martin though as the entire starting lineup was well balanced, with Embiid, Maxey, George, and Martin all scoring 17 or more points, while Geurschon Yabusele did everything the Sixers needed, from providing defensive impact to helping on the boards.
It was a much-needed drama-free performance for the Sixers in this game—Embiid’s tech aside. The Sixers can now refocus on basketball, knowing they were able to take care of business and finish the road trip at 4-2.
A special shout to Philly’s own Justin Edwards, who enjoyed the best game of his young career tonight. Edwards has been working all season, typically with the Deleware Blue Coats, and had begun to find his rhythm just as the Sixers needed him as Kelly Oubre went down with a left hand sprain.
Edwards did exactly what a rookie in his position should do tonight: keep it calm, cool, and collected while working within his role. Edwards didn’t try to replicate Oubre’s game, he didn’t try to be a mini-Paul George, but he rebounded the ball as needed and took corner threes when open. This was a more than encouraging game from the rookie wing, and hopefully, it’s something he can build upon.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers next head home to Philadelphia for a Monday night matchup against the Phoenix Suns. This season, the Suns have struggled to put it all together around their big three. Winning just three of their last 13 games, Phoenix is not the world-beater they were thought to be heading into the season, but they cannot be slept on either.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and you can catch it live on NBC Sports Philadelphia or NBA TV. You can also listen live at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
