Player grades: Joel Embiid dominates, leads Sixers over Wizards at home
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers had one more game at home on Sunday before heading out on the road for seven of their next eight games and they had to take advantage of the struggling Washington Wizards. The Wizards entered Sunday losers of four of their last five contests so this marked a good opportunity for Philadelphia.
The Sixers started the game with the right mindset and energy as they built a double-digit lead early that grew as large as 25 on their way to a 112-93 victory. Joel Embiid had himself another monster night and led the Sixers with 34 points on 12-for-21 shooting and eight rebounds with four assists to ensure Philadelphia walked away with another win.
James Harden had 18 points and 14 assists, Tobias Harris had 11 points, and Tyrese Maxey had eight. De’Anthony Melton had 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists while Paul Reed had six and six rebounds and Shake Milton had seven points and four rebounds off the bench.
Here are the player grades following the win:
James Harden: A
This was another typical Harden game. He was getting into the paint, drawing defenders, and then kicking out to open shooters and slashers. It’s obvious that the Sixers are understanding that as long as they move without the basketball, Harden will find them and they will find offensive success. As for his own offense, he wasn’t really looking for his shot much, but when he did, he was able to knock them down efficiently.
Tyrese Maxey: B+
Maxey seemed to get off to a tough start as he was unable to get into a rhythm in the first half. He was able to knock down a triple, but other than that, the start for him wasn’t great. He did have some nice moments defensively, however, which is always a plus for him as he continues to improve on that end of the floor. He was better after halftime in terms of his own offense, but in his defense, Embiid was in such a rhythm that he didn’t need much help in this one.
Tobias Harris: B+
The Sixers got Harris involved early as he ran the floor and finished an alley-oop and then took advantage of him in the post being defended by Monte Morris. Defensively, he had a few nice moments when he was switched onto Kristaps Porzingis and he also had a block on Bradley Beal. He missed a few bunnies, but he was able to have a nice night overall. When Harris is engaged and involved, he is a much better player out on the floor on both ends.
PJ Tucker: B
The Sixers started Tucker on Porzingis which is a little surprising due to his lack of height, but Tucker really battled with the Washington big man and forced him into some tough shots. He also was aggressive on the glass and he gave the Sixers a big spark in that department. This was a perfect example of a player being able to make an impact without scoring the ball.
Joel Embiid: A+
As much as the Wizards tried, they really don’t have anybody to defend Embiid. The big fella is in such a rhythm that he was essentially toying with Washington’s bigs whether it was Taj Gibson or Porzingis, neither guy could give Embiid any trouble. The Wizards then tried to throw waves of defenders at him, but it just didn’t matter much. He was once again dominant in this one. He was also huge on the defensive end as well as the Wizards were unable to get any type of easy baskets when he was in the game and protecting the rim.
De'Anthony Melton: A-
The initial run for Melton wasn’t spectacular. He was a part of a slow start to the second quarter for Philadelphia that allowed the Wizards to chip their way back into the game. He missed his open triple and he had a few defensive breakdowns. He was much better after halftime to help Philadelphia keep the lead and keep the Wizards at bay. His all-around play was a big reason why the Sixers were able to expand the lead.
Georges Niang: B-
The night for Niang was a usual one. The Minivan hopped off the bench and knocked down a triple right away, but he also had his struggles on the defensive end as Washington worked its way back into the game. He could have taken more shots on offense, but he had a solid night.
Jalen McDaniels: A-
The start for McDaniels off the bench was encouraging as he was aggressive with his offensive looks and he was able to contribute on that end. He had six quick points in eight minutes while also playing well on defense, but he then appeared to injure his hip and he left for the locker room in the second quarter. He did not return due to a right hip contusion.
Paul Reed: A
The run for Reed was solid. He didn’t hurt the Sixers on either end of the floor and he helped on the glass. He was able to convert on his looks around the basket as he continues to improve his understanding of where to be on offense. He also didn’t foul much which is always a plus for him. His defensive work was very good in this one.
Shake Milton: B+
Milton once again contributed in a few different areas for the Sixers. He was helpful on the glass, he handled the ball well to get the Sixers into their offensive sets, and he was able to get some offense of his own.
Danuel House Jr.: B
House Jr. continues to get a look off the bench as Philadelphia continues to expand he bench in this final stretch of the regular season. He has provided some good minutes off the bench due to his athleticism and his ability to play defense out on the perimeter.
Dewayne Dedmon: Incomplete
With the game already over, Dedmon made his debut since his addition from the buyout market. In garbage minutes, he had a few nice moments including a sweeping hook shot in the lane and a nice defensive stop. It was good for him to finally get on the floor after the hip injuries.
