Player grades: Paolo Banchero, Magic rally from 21 down to beat Sixers
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the Orlando Magic on Monday looking to continue their hot streak. The Sixers had won seven games in a row entering the contest and they were looking to continue to grow and build as a team.
The Sixers raced out to a 21-point lead in the first half as they were in an offensive rhythm and they were playing some excellent defense. The Magic shot just 25.9% in the first quarter as Philadelphia was able to build their lead. However, Orlando made a spirited comeback led by rookie Paolo Banchero and former Sixers guard Markelle Fultz, and they walked away with a stunning 119-109 victory on the road.
Banchero had 29 points and 10 rebounds while Fultz had 12 points and 10 assists in his first game played in Philadelphia since the 2019 deadline deal.
Joel Embiid was terrific once again and led the Sixers with 30 points and 11 rebounds with five assists, James Harden added 17 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, Tobias Harris added 17 and six rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey had eight points. Matisse Thybulle added 10 points and Georges Niang had six points and four rebounds.
Here are the player grades following the shocking loss:
James Harden: B+
The Beard was able to get into the paint and get to the foul line early in order to get his points. After that, he didn’t necessarily look for his own offense too much. In his defense, Embiid was having so much success that the game plan was to just get him the ball every time down the floor. Harden overall had a nice night just controlling things and being able to run things smoothly, but Philadelphia could have used some more offense in this one. Either way, it was a nice game.
De'Anthony Melton: B
There were a few wide-open 3s that Melton just missed, but he was able to have a lot of success on the defensive end. He bothered the Magic guards out on the perimeter and made their life tough all night long. He was able to take advantage of a lane to the basket on one occasion to get himself a bucket. Either way, he had a nice night in this one.
Tobias Harris: B
In this type of matchup, Harris has the clear size advantage. The veteran out of Tennessee went to work as he was constantly getting to his spots. Whether it be in the post or from the mid-range, he was able to use his size and strength to get him an easy bucket. He was also attacking the glass with an aggression needed against this taller Magic team. The Sixers could have used his offense more in the second half though. He had a few opportunities in the third quarter that he just wasn’t able to convert on.
PJ Tucker: C-
After his big defensive second half in the win over the Nuggets, Tucker was very good on defense against Banchero to start. The young and talented rookie wasn’t able to really get into any type of rhythm as Tucker was bothering him all throughout the night. The only time Banchero did anything was when Tucker wasn’t in the vicinity. However, things completely changed in the second half as Banchero took over on the offensive end for Orlando to get them back into the game and to give the Magic the lead.
Joel Embiid: A-
The Magic have some really talented young big men. They all have a chance to be really good in this league. Embiid taught them all a lesson of what it takes to succeed in this league. The big fella went to work in the paint in order to set the tone for Philadelphia. He was also setting his teammates up with pinpoint passes and he was also able to protect the rim. Again, as has been the theme with everybody for the Sixers, things changed after halftime. Embiid was still scoring at a high rate, but the Magic were getting production from Wendell Carter Jr., Moe Wagner, and Banchero which helped Orlando get back into this one. Embiid played a hand in that.
Tyrese Maxey: C+
The young man out of Kentucky had a tough time finding a rhythm with his offense. He missed a few wide-open misses and he had his struggles on the defensive end which allowed Orlando to get back into the game. His offense in the second half was needed, however, as he was able to keep Philadelphia afloat when the Magic mounted their furious comeback. Overall, it wasn’t the best night for him, though, as he still struggles on the defensive end.
Matisse Thybulle: A
The night for Thybulle started with him cutting to the basket for an easy layup. He continues to understand how he can get his offense in the half court with his IQ and athleticism. He also got himself some more points when he stripped Bol Bol and went the other way and he drew a foul. He also knocked down two triples on the night along with his stout defense.
Georges Niang: B-
The night for Niang started with him getting into the paint and making a nice pass to Thybulle for a layup. He then knocked down a triple and he was very good in terms of his all-around offensive game with his ability to pass the ball while also scoring. He was helpful on the glass as well.
Shake Milton: B-
Milton went right to work on the offensive end. He knocked down a triple off a loose ball that ended up in Philadelphia’s possession and he was getting into the paint with aggression. The Sixers need him to continue to think score when he’s out there. Him and Maxey have to lead the second unit on a regular basis.
Montrezl Harrell: C-
The initial run for Harrell was good on both ends of the floor. He was able to have some really nice defensive moments against the young Orlando big men by using his IQ and his savviness to be able to get himself some steals. He also freed himself up for a dunk on the other end. The second half run was a different story, however, as he wasn’t helpful on either end. The Magic were constantly getting to the basket and he wasn’t able to produce on the offensive end either.
