Player grades: James Harden, Joel Embiid lead Sixers to win over Raptors
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to get themselves together as they prepare for the playoffs and a matchup with the Toronto Raptors is what the doctor ordered in that respect. The Raptors are the type of team the Sixers will see in the postseason with their size, length, and athletic ability.
Philadelphia had a near-perfect first half as they shot a scorching 76.9% from the floor in order to build a 77-57 halftime lead. However, the Raptors worked their way back into it and cut the lead down to seven rather quickly and then the lead was only two in the fourth. Eventually, the Sixers were able to pull away for a 117-110 victory in large part due to James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Harden had 23 points and 11 assists while Embiid added 25 points and 12 rebounds for Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey added 13 points and six assists, De’Anthony Melton added 13 points, and PJ Tucker had nine and five rebounds. Paul Reed added 11 points and six rebounds and Danuel House Jr. added eight off the bench.
Here are the player grades after the win:
James Harden: A
He wasn’t getting past anybody on the offensive end, but when Harden had his opportunities, he took advantage of them. He and Embiid were nearly unstoppable on the offensive end with the pick-and-roll game and he was able to finish over taller defenders. It was good for him to see the 3-point shot return as well. He has been so efficient with that shot all year long and it has been a big part of his arsenal. Considering the Achilles injury, he is going to have to keep this efficiency from deep. The first half was the best he’s looked in quite some time. He struggled in the third quarter which then had a ripple effect through the rest of the team as Toronto worked back into it. Overall, though, he was very good
Tyrese Maxey: A
Toronto is a tough matchup for Maxey due to how unique they are with their size, but Maxey was able to have success on offense in this one despite all of that. He was able to get into the paint, throw in some floaters over taller defenders, and he knocked in a triple. He was very good against Fred VanVleet on the defensive end as well. His offense in the third quarter was important when the Sixers opened the second half by scuffling and allowing Toronto back into the game.
De'Anthony Melton: A
Getting the start in place of the sick Tobias Harris, Melton got the Sixers off to a great start. His movement off the ball was important as he was taking advantage of the open opportunities in Toronto’s defense. The ball handling and the passing he brings to the table are important as Philadelphia prepares for an important postseason run.
PJ Tucker: A
The night for Tucker started off terrific as he knocked down his first two corner triples and he played some tough defense on Pascal Siakam. He didn’t do anything offensively outside of the two triples until he hit a big one late in the fourth, but he was tough on the defensive end and bothered Toronto with his toughness and by being all over the place on that end of the floor.
Joel Embiid: A
The big fella was able to score the basketball at his usual pace and rate, but the Raptors play with so much physicality that he certainly had to work for it. Toronto is one of those unique teams that have so much size and length and they really have a defensive scheme tailored to stopping and bothering Embiid. With that being said, Embiid was still able to have offensive success by getting to the foul line and using his finesse to maneuver around defenders in order to get timely baskets. He and Harden were in perfect tandem in this one.
Jalen McDaniels: A
The night for McDaniels started very nicely when he sized up a defender and knocked down a triple. He played very well on the defensive end and he contributed on offense as well as it was a very good night for him in this one. He was efficient and his athleticism caused the Raptors to commit some mistakes and turnovers on their end.
Paul Reed: A
On paper, this is a tough matchup for Reed due to Toronto’s size and length, but he made a big impact off the bench in this one. He was attacking the glass, he was finishing around the rim, and he was also able to make a few plays defensively. He was very good in the minutes with Embiid on the bench.
Danuel House Jr.: B
As he continues to get minutes in the rotation, House Jr. was able to make an impact right away. He was all over the place defensively and his athleticism was helpful in this one due to what the Raptors bring to the table. His recent play has certainly helped him make a case to earn minutes in the playoffs.
Georges Niang: C+
Niang had issues defending Toronto wing Scottie Barnes as he was able to get to the basket at will and he has so much length that he can finish over taller defenders. Niang got into foul trouble rather quickly trying to defend him and it limited his effectiveness a bit. However, he was able to contribute on the offensive end with a triple and a floater.
Shake Milton: C-
After not playing on Wednesday, Milton had a few defensive issues in the early going, but he knocked down a triple and he was able to get into the paint. Overall, it wasn’t the best night for him as he had a tough time converting open looks, but he was able to give the Sixers a spark with his energy.
