NBA Twitter reacts to Joel Embiid, Sixers holding off Raptors at home
The Philadelphia 76ers played one helluva first half on Friday night as they took on the Toronto Raptors. The Sixers shot a ridiculous 79.6% from the floor as they built a lead as large as 24 and it was a 77-57 lead at the half.
However, the Raptors battled back and they cut the lead to 103-101 with 5:550 left. Philadelphia was sloppy with the basketball and they were not able to take advantage of the same open looks they got in the first half.
Eventually, Joel Embiid and the Sixers did just enough to walk away with a 117-110 win. Their second straight victory after dropping three straight to end their previous road trip.
Embiid had 25 points and 12 rebounds, James Harden fought through his Achilles soreness to put up 23 points and 11 assists, Tyrese Maxey added 13 points and six assists, and De’Anthony Melton had 13. The bench had a big night as Paul Reed had 11 points and six rebounds, Danuel House Jr. had eight, and Jalen McDaniels added seven points.
NBA Twitter reacted to the Sixers picking up the win:
Joel Embiid had a quiet game tonight and still finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and a block.
A mediocre game for him is a great game for just about anyone else.
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) April 1, 2023
Loud MVP chants for Joel Embiid late in the fourth.
— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) April 1, 2023
Joel Embiid led the @sixers to the home W with 25 PTS and 12 REB!
Scottie Barnes: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL
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📲 https://t.co/WFdLNEjikq pic.twitter.com/inLIfrskKr— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2023
Good to see James Harden doing this against OG Anunoby, who would probably be in the DPOY convo if the Raptors weren’t bad. pic.twitter.com/5R4SvrWJqq
— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) April 1, 2023
If James Harden can do this in the playoffs the Sixers are legitimate title contenders pic.twitter.com/P42OocoDm2
— Pick Swap Podcast (@PickSwapPod) April 1, 2023
James Harden had 15 points in the second quarter. Sixers with 46 in the second.
Fun Friday night!— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 1, 2023
FINAL: Sixers 117, Raptors 110
The Sixers were tremendous offensively in the first halt — and not so much in the second half. But they did enough to win with early offense & late defense.
Turnovers aside, James Harden was great. So were some role players!
The Sixers are 51-26.
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) April 1, 2023
One of the best Paul Reed stints of the year right there. He looked outstanding and like he has (rightfully) earned James Harden's trust:
9 points (3-3 FG, 3-3 FT)
4 rebounds
2 assists
1 block
+14 (!)…in 9:01 of play. He was active and smart on both ends of the floor.
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) March 31, 2023
Paul Reed is hoopin. Continue to like this Reed/McDaniels/House combo off of the bench
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) March 31, 2023
Paul Reed tonight:
– 11 pts
– 6 reb
– 2 ast
– 1 blk
– 60% FG14min played #Sixers pic.twitter.com/dk2Tu08GSW
— 215muse (@215muse) April 1, 2023
The Raptors are getting bullied inside by……Paul Reed?
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) March 31, 2023
The Sixers shot 18 for 21 vs. the Raptors in the second quarter. That's 85.7%.
James Harden (17 points, 7 assists) and Paul Reed standouts in a very high-level half across the board.
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) April 1, 2023
Strong Paul Reed run here. He matches up well with this Raptors team.
— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) March 31, 2023
Paul Reed MASTERCLASS in session! pic.twitter.com/GODHQdBKOn
— Scotty 🥲 (@ScottyDrowned) March 31, 2023
Harden and Paul Reed https://t.co/ZN6zeljdPe pic.twitter.com/gkPrU4Y7sM
— Sai (@LeGoatedOne) March 31, 2023
The Sixers looked like they might be in a little bit of trouble with Embiid getting in early foul trouble.
No matter, Tyrese Maxey is leading a bench unit right now.
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) March 31, 2023
