After three defeats in a row, and a risk not entirely ruled out of being ejected from the top 4 in the East, the Sixers had to react at home. That’s what they did and with style against a Charlotte team that was still in good shape and who would like to go up a little in the hierarchy of the teams concerned by the “play-in”.
The 76ers raced in the lead for most of the first period without widening a significant gap. With obviously a lot of play created thanks to the “pick-and-roll” in the axis of the circle between Joel Embiid and James Harden. The first (19 points and 11 rebounds already at the break), in addition to dominating his opponents at the low post, also spoke about his altruism to bring out good balls in the corners.
Author of 16 points in the first period, Tobias Harris, who also touched a few balls in the post, took advantage of the passes from his pivot to punish from afar. Leading a small possession after a quarter (29-26), the 76ers only had one more at the break (58-53).
The locals have indeed shot themselves with too many hazardous transmissions which the Hornets, sometimes in the zone, could easily take advantage of to slip away in transition. Where the 76ers defense, which was slow to fall back, did not expect them. Largely dominated on the rebound, Charlotte thus caused 12 ball losses from their opponents.
Unfortunately for the visitors, their game ended at the break as the third quarter turned butchery in favor of the 76ers. Overwhelmed by the defensive efforts and the energy deployed by the locals, the Hornets lost their basketball. Despite a buzzer shot from Terry Rozier at the buzzer in the third quarter, the damage was done (130-80). We then had to wait for the end of a long “garbage time”…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The 45 points of the 76ers in the third act! Possibly the most accomplished quarterback of the 76ers season. This explosion, the men of Doc Rivers owe it a lot to Matisse Thybulle who multiplied the interceptions and deviations in defense, to the point of disgusting LaMelo Ball and his teammates. To top it all off, the full-back started planting from afar in the corners. His long-distance skill inspired his partners against a defense that no longer had the weapons to fight against both Joel Embiid and as many confident and open shooters. Philadelphia has signed an exceptional 17/20 on shots in this period.
– Gordon Hayward, the return. After 22 games away, the winger made his comeback as a substitute. The winger brought a few things without performing miracles.
– Clippers spirit on the floor. While Montrezl Harrell tried to have an impact on this match against his former coach, Doc Rivers, we rather remembered the beautiful connection between two former Clippers: Tobias Harris and DeAndre Jordan. The first sent his pivot to the “alley-oop” three times. The latter, also the author of a few big counterattacks on the other side of the field, has made good use of his playing time despite a relaxation that no longer has much to do with that he had in Los Angeles.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ The five major of the 76ers! History not to make jealous! Just take a look at the respective score impacts to get an idea. Joel Embiid dominated the opponent’s racket and distributed very good balls, like a James Harden in control of the pick, despite losing ball for him too. Next to them, Tobias Harris, in the first period, and Tyrese Maxey, in second, did a lot of damage in the opposing defense. And what about Matisse Thybulle, the player who undoubtedly tipped the match in the third act.
⛔ The Hornets Defense. Worst defensive performance of the year for the Hornets (excluding overtime) who completely exploded after going to the locker room: 86 points against! With such a good Joel Embiid and so many skillful shooters from afar, not far from winning the franchise record (21/43), the Hornets were overwhelmed. While they had stolen a bunch of balls in the first period, they were sorely lacking in desire in the second.
THE FOLLOWING
76ers (47-30) : trip to Cleveland, the next night
Hornets (40-38) : trip to Miami, Tuesday
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