In the Post- Sixers Beat The Suns
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center on October 24, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia 76ers collected their fifth win of the season, taking down the visiting Phoenix Suns, 100-88. This a big week for the Sixers with four games on the schedule… a huge win against the top team in the West. Here’s what stood out:
- Joel Embiid returned to action after missing three games in a row and as the game went along, he looked like his normal self. Embiid finished with game-highs in points and rebounds with 33 to lead all scorers, while snatching 10 rebounds in 37-plus minutes of action. He also added five assists which is something this team will most certainly need as the attention that he attracts from the opposition will be ramped up in the absence of point guard James Harden. The big fella did look a little fatigued early on and that is expected after missing so much time, but he really got it going as he got wind back. A spectacular performance for his first game back.
- Tobias Harris had a really solid game overall — dropping 21, grabbing eight rebounds and handing out six assists on the night. Harris will now have a few more shot attempts on a game-by-game basis with Harden out of the lineup. He’s been here before as the second or third option behind Embiid. Expect Harris’ production to increase going forward.
- Arguably the best game of the season for George Niang. The reserve forward came off the bench adding 21 points, making seven of 10 from distance and they came at really big times for the 76ers. This is somewhat of a flashback to what Niang did a season ago in year one with the club and if he can keep that shooting touch going… that will most certainly help the bench and his team overall.
- It looks like head coach Doc Rivers we’ll be going situational with the backup five minutes behind Embiid. Paul Reed, Montrez Harrell and PJ Tucker have all seen time, so there has not been a consistent number-one backup for this team so far. Rivers will go by matchups, situation, and feel when the MVP runner-up exits the game.
Next up for the 76ers, a road game against the Atlanta Hawks (7-3). The Hawks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 117-98, and got big games from offseason acquisition Dejounte Murray (25 points, 11 assists and eight boards) and rookie AJ Griffin (24 points) off the bench for Nate McMillan’s team. This will be the first of a home and home-between Atlanta and Philadelphia, with the Sixers hosting the Hawks on Saturday evening back in Philadelphia.
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