In the Post- Sixers Beat The Pelicans
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center on January 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On Monday night, the Sixers had a great response to their loss at the hands of the Pelicans four days ago. They returned the favor by defeating them, 120-111. The teams have now split the two-game season series. Here’s what stood out:
- Something many beg the 76ers to do before the ball tips off… get off to a good start. Not only did they hear your cries, but head coach Doc Rivers wanted to see a better approach and the results were there. Philadelphia led by eight after one and five at the break, 57-52. Runs are expected and that’s what the Pelicans did by closing the second quarter on a 15-3 run.
- The Sixers turned the ball over 19 times in the first meeting leading to 30 points for the Pels. The 76ers corrected that problem in a big way by coughing the ball up just 10 times for nine points. And, the Philadelphia defense forced New Orleans into 17 miscues totaling 20 points. It’s easier said than done but protect the basketball.
- The Sixers shot 43 percent from the three-point line making 15 of 35 on the night. A plus-four in that category. They were also a plus-seven in free throw makes with 23 at the charity stripe.
- After missing the Oklahoma City win on New Year’s Eve, PJ Tucker returned to the lineup logging just over 18 minutes of playing time, and finishing with three points and three rebounds. They cut his minutes because Georges Niang came off the bench and made five threes on nine attempts for 15 points. When Niang is shooting the ball that way, head coach Doc Rivers has the luxury of getting Tucker a little rest. The beauty of having depth.
- Tyrese Maxey played in his second game since returning from his foot injury, his first at home. Maxey came off the bench again and received a huge ovation from the home crowd as he checked in. The third-year guard added 12 points on 5 for 14 shooting.
The Sixers will play game two of their three-game homestand on Wednesday when they host the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers are 21-17 and have won their last four while sitting in the sixth seed in the East… two games back of the 76ers.
Dylan MacKinnon is The Digital Content Coordinator For 97.5 The Fanatic. he has been an Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Flyers fan his whole life. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors in Journalism. Dylan has worked at the Fanatic since 2016, starting as an Intern, moving to the Street team, and eventually was hired as an Associate Producer before settling into his current role in the Digital Department. You may hear him referred to on-air as "The D-Train."
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