Sixers player grades: Joel Embiid returns in home loss to Timberwolves

The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Saturday after a long 6-game road trip to host the Minnesota Timberwolves looking to get back on track. They went 2-4 on the trip and they received some solid play out of Tyrese Maxey. With the return of Joel Embiid and two days off, one would think this would be a good night for the home team.

Instead, the Timberwolves came out firing as Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards were too much to handle from the jump. The two of them combined for 27 points in the opening quarter as Minnesota built a large lead and held off a furious Philadelphia rally on their way to a 121-120 double-overtime win over the Sixers. D’Angelo Russell knocked down some huge shots for the Wolves as Philadelphia has now dropped four games in a row at home.

Embiid had 42 points and 14 rebounds while playing over 40 minutes in his return, Maxey added 15 points and eight assists, Seth Curry added 14, Danny Green had 11 points, and Tobias Harris added 17 and nine rebounds.

Here are the player grades following another tough home loss:

Tyrese Maxey: B-

This was a weird Maxey game. Normally sure-handed, he made some bad decisions with the basketball that allowed the Timberwolves to get out and run and use their athleticism. He also struggled a bit with Russell as the veteran Minnesota guard got into the paint and used his physicality to get some easy baskets. To his credit, he was excellent in the third quarter to help the Sixers get back into this one. For a guy so young, he does a terrific job of making adjustments on the fly. He did, however, have the game-killing turnover late that allowed Minnesota the lead.

Seth Curry: C

Curry knocked down Philadelphia’s first field goal after the team started out 0-for-6. He was finally able to get some shots to fall in the second half as Philadelphia began creeping back, but it wasn’t enough in this one. He had a tough time on the defensive end. Minnesota’s length seemed like it was just too much for him to handle. Russell killed the Sixers in the extra sessions with Curry getting the brunt of it to start.

Matisse Thybulle: C-

Earning another start, Thybulle looked rough on the offensive end as he missed a couple of triples, but at least he took them and he wasn’t hesitant on the shots either. He also did a much better job against Edwards after his fast start, but Russell had him locked in hell in the extra sessions. The shots Russell made in this one were impressive and some were against Thybulle.

Tobias Harris: B

This was a tough start for Harris on both ends of the floor. He missed a few shots that he normally knocks down and he also played up too far on the pick-and-roll which allowed Jarred Vanderbilt to get free for Minnesota. It did seem strange that Harris did not get his normal shot allotment in this one. He only had three attempts at halftime and it looked like he wasn’t as aggressive as he normally is. It could be that the hip is bothering him a bit. He seemed to get stronger as the game went on and he also was helpful on the defensive end as well as the game continued.

Joel Embiid: A+

The big fella looked a little rusty, but that is understandable considering how much time he has missed. The good thing is, he was constantly getting into the paint and drawing fouls which is what is going to help him get into his rhythm in the long run. He is such a threat that the Timberwolves continued to double team him every time he touched the ball and that opens up a lot for the offense. To his credit, he did look a bit better after halftime which helped Philadelphia work their way back into the game. He was absolutely phenomenal in this one and deserves a lot of credit for the way he played in his first game back from COVID.

Danny Green: A-

At this point, coming off the bench might be the best role for Green. He entered the game and he made an immediate impact by knocking down a couple of triples when the team badly needed it. He was huge in Philadelphia’s rally as he was knocking down triples and he was doing a lot of the little things. This was one of those veteran games that Green brings to the floor on a nightly basis that helps the Sixers in the long run.

Andre Drummond: D+

Drummond is a very, very good backup big man. The things this former 2-time All-Star can do can help any basketball team in the long run. With that being said, he cannot be out there defending Karl-Anthony Towns. Drummond had a miserable time defending Towns when he entered the game for Embiid and Philadelphia dug themselves an early hole because of it. To his absolute credit, he was inserted into the game late in the first overtime session and he tipped in an intentional Maxey miss from the free-throw line to force the second overtime period and he did so perfectly. That clutch basket saved him from a failing grade.

Georges Niang: B-

The Minivan continues to be a consistent player. He isn’t flashy, but what he does bring is his hard hat every night and it is refreshing to see him out there giving an honest effort. His shooting is also welcomed for the offense. That is going to be a factor every night.

Furkan Korkmaz: D+

Korkmaz gave the team a bit of a spark on the offensive end which is a good sign considering how much he has struggled lately. He knocked down a tough triple at the top of the key and he had a nice move to the basket for a layup to give Philadelphia some life. However, he also struggled on the defensive end in this one as the Wolver exploited him when he was in the game.

Isaiah Joe: B-

Joe’s 6-minute run was encouraging. He did not get any looks at the basket, but he did have two assists as he got into the paint and set up his teammates. On a night where the Sixers struggled in the early going, this was a welcomed sight for them.

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