Sixers player grades: Joel Embiid leads team past Celtics at home
The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to bounce back from a bad loss on Wednesday as they welcomed the rival Boston Celtics into the Wells Fargo Center on Friday. The Celtics presented a big challenge with their size and length as well as their defensive game plan and the Sixers had to prepare for a big matchup.
After a slow start that saw them trail it 10-4 early, the Sixers ended the first quarter on a 28-4 run and that sparked them the rest of the way to knock off the Celtics 111-99 at home. The win evens Philadelphia’s home record at 9-9 and it gives them a 2-1 edge on the Celtics in the season series.
Joel Embiid led the way for Philadelphia with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, Tyrese Maxey had 23 points and five assists, Tobias Harris had 17 and nine rebounds, Seth Curry added 17 and seven assists. Matisse Thybulle also had an impressive game on the defensive end and he added eight points and five steals with two blocks. Andre Drummond had nine and eight boards off the bench
Here are the player grades following the win:
Tyrese Maxey: A-
It was good to see Maxey fire away from deep when he had the opportunity. That has been something that the Sixers have wanted more out of the young guard and he knocked down his first two triples which then set up other parts of his offense. He had two really impressive drive and finishes to help the Sixers out to a big lead early. He then made some big shots late in the game including a corner triple to really put the Celtics away late.
Seth Curry: B
The Sixers were able to play with pace early in this one and that allowed Curry to get an open triple. He also made some plays with his passing and that is something that continues to be a big positive for him. He did end up taking nine triples on the night so that is something that the Sixers will take on an every-night basis.
Matisse Thybulle: A+
This was a much better game for Thybulle following the clunker on Wednesday. He had an impressive block on Jaylen Brown’s triple attempt, he got out and ran, and he even showed off some fire when he got into a tussle with former Sixers guard Josh Richardson after he was flagrantly fouled by Richardson. He was an absolute menace on the defensive end getting into the passing lanes and coming up with some big steals and he also knocked down a triple which is always something nice with him. He did leave the game with right shoulder soreness, however, and that is something that could be a cause for concern.
Tobias Harris: B
There were some familiar issues from Harris, but the best part about his game in this one was that he was not hesitating on any open triples. They were quick triggers and that’s something that has to continue. It’s been a tough season shooting the ball for him, but when he has a chance at some open triples, they have to be taken. Especially on this team next to Embiid. Another positive was his attack of smaller Celtics defenders as he used his size and strength often in the post.
Joel Embiid: A
The big fella seemed to have a personal vendetta in this one which makes sense considering it’s the Celtics and he was having to battle Al Horford and Enes Freedom, but he was focused from the jump. He was knocking down jumpers, he was aggressive on the glass, and he was making the right decisions with his passing. Boston did go to a zone defense in the second quarter that slowed him down a bit, but after an adjustment, he was back to being himself and taking advantage of the opportunities presented to him.
Andre Drummond: B+
This was a bit of a point-Drummond game. He was operating from the top of the key and he made some nice passes to a cutting Niang for a layup and then set up for Harris for a mismatch in the post. He was also very solid on the defensive end as he was deterring a lot of the Celtics when they drove to the rim by using his size and going straight up most of the time.
Furkan Korkmaz: B+
The fifth-year guard from Turkey was active on the offensive end as he was pulling the trigger on open looks from deep, he was getting into the paint, and he was setting up open teammates. Considering the opponent is a rival, this was an impressive game from Korkmaz as he did not back down from the challenge. He did struggle from deep, however, as he was not able to take advantage of his open looks.
Georges Niang: B-
Niang has shown off his smarts without the basketball before, but there was one play where he faked one way and then cut backdoor for an easy layup. He had some issues on the defensive end, but for the most part, he was solid all night.
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