In The Post: Embiid, Sixers Sting The Hornets
Lost in all of the excitement of the Philadelphia Eagles dominating the New York Giants and improving to 12-1 on the season, clinching a playoff berth along the way – was their Sports Complex neighbors, the Philadelphia 76ers, crushing the Charlotte Hornets in South Philadelphia on Sunday night, 131-113. They have now won two in a row and sport a record of 14-12, trailing the Brooklyn Nets by a full game for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Here is what stood out:
Joel Embiid’s dominance was on full display again
Embiid put up a game-high 53 points on 20 of 32 shooting, making 2 of 3 from deep and converting all 11 of his free throws… collecting his second 50-point outing of the season. The first happened on November 13th against the visiting Utah Jazz as he finished with a career-high 59 on that Sunday night. Sure, it was the lowly Hornets that he did this against, but 53 is 53 — that’s not easy to do. Charlotte had no answer for defending the All-Star center at all. When he’s locked in like he was Sunday night, not many teams do. Embiid also grabbed 12 boards and only committed two turnovers in 34-plus minutes.
James Harden had his eyes out for his teammates
Harden had a game-high 16 assists, his 30th game with 15 points and 15 assists, according to Stathead. Harden finished second on the team with 19 points and nine rebounds vs the Hornets. One board shy of a triple-double. This was his third game back from the foot injury as he slowly gets back into a groove.
Reserve big Montrezl Harrell played a solid 12:57 of action in the win
Very active offensively finishing with nine points, but it was the four assists that also stood out as he was willingly looking for his mates as they ran the actions instead of going one-on-one against his defender. Head coach Doc Rivers seems to be back to his situational subs with the big guys to spell Embiid. Good minutes from Harrell.
Furkan Korkmaz’s shot looks a little different
While he’s always had a quick release – it doesn’t seem to look the same. The mechanics and form just seem to be a little off from his years in the NBA. It’s not Markelle Fultz-like, but just has a different look to it. Something to keep an eye on.
Next up for Philadelphia will be the Sacramento Kings (14-11). This will be game three of the 76ers’ seven-game homestand.
