After trailing for much of the game and down by as much as 17 points in the first half, the 76ers fought back to earn a gutsy win over the Grizzlies, 110-105. To borrow a phrase often used to describe the Grizzlies and their style of play. Philadelphia showed their version of grit and grind to collect win number 39 on the season. The Sixers are now 20 games over .500, 39-19 on the campaign…
Here’s what stood out in the win over the Grizzlies:
- The first half was a brutal one for the 76ers. They fell behind by 17 through the first 24 minutes of play. Their subpar numbers were largely due to All-Star Joel Embiid’s 2 for 14 shooting performance while logging 19-plus minutes. Before the game head coach Doc Rivers shared that Embiid was in fact dealing with an illness. If that had anything to do with his early output, one can surely understand. The big fella finished the evening with 27 points, six assists, and game-highs of 19 rebounds plus six blocks. Not bad for just an okay performance.
- Point guard James Harden was phenomenal. He registered a game-best 31 points on 10 of 16 shooting, including connecting on six made 3’s. Harden added seven boards and seven assists while keeping Philadelphia close enough in the first half while his teammates found their way. The 10x All-Star also made a key play late in the fourth quarter with the 76ers up one, 106-105. He hustled for a loose ball after a Ja Morant miss. While both players were chasing after the ball, they fell over each other with Harden controlling the rock and finding Embiid for an angry open floor dunk. The future Hall of Famer has been playing at a very high level and if he can keep that up, it might mean the difference in another second-round exit versus advancing even further in the playoffs.
- If needing the All-Star break was what could get Tobias Harris back on track then mission accomplished. Although its only one game, Harris looked much better within the flow of the offense and seemed to have fresher legs throughout the night. He added 20 points, including two huge 3’s made in the final frame for the Sixers. Not only did he get it done on the offensive end, but his defensive effort cannot be lost. He matched up for a good number of possessions against the talented Morant in the fourth quarter and did a good job using his length in helping the All-Star guard finish 0 for 5 in the quarter. Good to see him playing well in that role.
Next up after the Grizzlies will be the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics visiting The Center on Saturday night. Another important test for the 76ers to show who they are.
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7 Phillies Named To MLB's Top 100 Players List
Rhys Hoskins (94)
Rhys is as hot and cold as players come. When he is hitting, he does it better than anyone. But the inconsistency, and the struggles in the field, keep him at 94. Which seems fair. The dumb errors can be maddening. But there is no run to the World Series without Rhys Hoskins. His bat is why they beat the Braves and the Padres. It is his last year before free agency, so he may be up for a career year.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Aaron Nola (79)
Aaron Nola has had his up and downs as a Phillie. A few years back he was a genuine Cy Young candidate. But he struggled to get back to that for a while. Until last year. He put together a great regular season and even broke the trend of September swoons. The ending was less than spectacular, with him struggling vs the Astros in the World Series. But Nola is a big reason they were there to begin with. And his great play was rewarded by cracking the Top 11, coming in at number 79.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Kyle Schwarber (44)
When the Phillies signed Schwarber, fans knew they were getting a power bat. What they did not know was that he would provide as much of it as he went on to. He sent 52 balls into the outfield seats between the regular season and the postseason. Well, that is not technically true. Because I am pretty sure the one he hit in Game 1 vs the Padres never landed in the seats and is still in orbit. Schwarber is among the best power hitters in the sport. His below-average fielding, and low batting average, keep him out of the top 40.
But you will take those trade-offs when a guy does what Schwarber can with a bat. And while the batting average is low, he walks a ton to make up for it. He jumped from 80 last year up to 44.
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Zack Wheeler (35)
Wheeler is about as good as they come. They asked a lot of him last season, and he delivered. There was a tiny hiccup vs the Astros. But for the most part, he pitched like a Cy Young last year. And he could have been if there weren’t pitchers like Sandy Alcantara doing inhuman things. They may go a bit easier on Wheeler this year, just so there is less fatigue in the playoffs. But we know for a fact that Wheeler will be as good as any pitcher when it matters most. He came in at 35 this year, after being ranked 25 in 2022.
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
JT Realmuto (29)
It looked a little bit dicey early in the season. But by the end of the year, JT Realmuto once against confirmed he is the best catcher in baseball. In the second half, there are few players who hit better than him period. He had the 5th best OPS after the All-Star Break in the entire MLB. And behind the plate, no one prevents steals better than him. His efforts helped him jump from 54 last year up to 29 for this season.
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Bryce Harper (17)
Harper will, unfortunately, miss the first couple of months as he recovers from Tommy Johns. But when he is healthy, there may not be 5 better players in the league than him, let alone 16. That was on full display in the playoffs where he at times carried the Phillies lineup, including one of the most clutch home runs in Phillies history in game 5 vs the Padres. Landing at 17 makes sense if you factor in the injury and that he may not be able to play the field until late in the season. But Harper should be much higher if going just by talent. He fell from 5 to 17.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Trea Turner (11)
And one of the newest Phillies is also the one who ranks highest on this list. Turner is the best Shortstop in Baseball. He is also probably the fastest man in Baseball. His speed at the top of the lineup could make a huge difference for the Phillies this year. And his range at shortstop could be key with the league banning the shift. He makes consistent contact, plays great in the field, provides some pop, and will steal you a ton of bases. Trea Turner could quickly become one of our favorite all-time Phillies. He comes in at 11, after being ranked 13 last year with the Dodgers.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)