In The Post: Sixers 107, Magic 99
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Shake Milton #18 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to shoot the ball as Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second quarter at Amway Center on November 25, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
The veteran Philadelphia 76ers start off their two-game weekend series against the young, upstart Orlando Magic – looking for win number ten on the season, hoping to push them back over .500. Mission accomplished. It wasn’t easy but the Sixers found a way to get it done.
Here are a few things that stood out in the win:
- Going into the weekend series against the Magic, one of the things to watch for was the length of their team against the Sixers and it was problem early, especially without Joel Embiid. Third-year player Bol Bol had all eight of his points in the frame in the paint. Whether it was a teammate throwing him a 50/50 ball trusting him to go up to get it or his length simply being a problem off an offensive rebound. The physicality didn’t bother him early. While he finished with 18 points and eight boards, Philadelphia settled down and defended him much better. Another lengthy player, Mo Bamba, has hurt the 76ers in the past but they held him in check throughout – finishing with just seven points and four rebounds.
- Shake Milton is playing with a ton of confidence since his minutes have increased. And not just on the offensive end. He’s been aggressive at times on the defensive side as well. In the first quarter, Milton blocked a three-point attempt from talented 6’10 forward Franz Wagner, kept it as a live ball and hit De’Anthony Melton as the trail man for an open three. Milton looks more and more comfortable every game. He finished with a game-high 24. Including a career and game-high 10 assists for his first career double-double.
- De’Anthony Melton’s offensive game has taken center stage a lot over the last few weeks of the season for the Sixers. But it has been his defensive smarts that really leaves you shaking your head. A play in the third quarter really stands out. Orlando rookie Paolo Banchero is on the left side of the floor with the ball dealing with ball pressure after giving up his dribble facing a bit of a double team. Melton is on the weak side of the floor watching two Magic players, mainly playing his man in the corner but showing on the other Orlando player just a few steps away. Melton baits the young Banchero into a cross court pass that leads to a kick ahead to Daniel House Jr. for a transition dunk. Savvy, smart defensive play by the veteran guard. So good.
- Georges Niang continues his stellar play knocking down five of his seven triples leading to 18 points off the bench. As long as the ball moves, Niang has a quick release and has no problem getting his shot off from the perimeter. He also did an admirable job helping defend the Magic front court players when P.J. Tucker had to leave the game for unspecified reasons.
- The Sixers bigs come up strong again with a 20-point, 15 rebound performance in place of the injured Embiid. Montrezl Harrell brought it in a starting role battling on both ends totaling 14 points with eight rebounds, while Paul Reed came off the bench for six points and six boards. A collective effort in place of the big fella for the victory.
A good team win for the Sixers on the road – they now have an opportunity to keep the momentum going on Sunday when they take on this same Magic team who will most certainly be ready.
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