Sixers star Joel Embiid explains big 2nd half in comeback win over Kings
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid got off to a very tough start on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings at home. The big fella looked a bit sluggish and tired as he shot just 1-for-5 at the half, but had 12 points because he got to the line as Philadelphia trailed the Kings 61-50 at halftime.
However, the big fella turned it around in the third quarter as he scored 17 points in the frame to help the Sixers get back in the game and he finished with 36 points on the night to lead Philadelphia to a 103-101 win. The Sixers trailed by as many as 17 in the third quarter before rallying to win the game.
Embiid had three turnovers at halftime and he only had one in the second half which was a big reason for the Sixers rallying to win the game.
“Just an adjustment,” said coach Doc Rivers. “We moved him in different spots. So he can see where the traps are coming from. It wasn’t a game for him to be on the post tonight because of the way they were trapping every play. It was more elbows and rolls.”
Embiid agreed with Rives’ assessment as he added that he began possessions at the foul line rather than in the post. He was able to get into a rhythm that way and he also had three assists to go with his 24 points in the second half.
“Just being aggressive,” said Embiid. “Obviously, they doubled me and tripled me all over the floor. Whether I was in the post or at the 3-point line and they just kept coming, and coming, and coming so I think the difference in the second half was just get different positions and then also attack off the dribble.”
The big fella was going at Richaun Holmes, Chimezie Metu, and Marvin Bagley III in order to get himself into a rhythm. It also helped that the Sixers buckled down on the defensive end in order to help get into a flow on the offensive end of the floor.
“I thought as a team, we did a good job just executing and getting stops in the first place,” Embiid finished. “Offensively, just executing and they gave me enough space to do what I do best.”
The Sixers will now move on with this homestand to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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