For a long time uncertain, Russell Westbrook is finally dressed tonight, and as usual, he begins the game slowly by first seeking to play his teammates. But the Sixers aren’t there to give a gift, or play an observation round, and at the wand, Ben Simmons is having a blast.
Master of tempo, he perfectly launches the attacks of the Sixers. Able to put a strong defensive pressure, the men of Doc Rivers take the opportunity to facilitate the task in attack. Seth Curry, Danny Green and Tobias Harris are sought and found by Simmons on the transition game and the Wizards are already on the ropes (27-13).
Embiid and fashion MVP
Scott Brooks is looking for solutions, and while Joel Embiid joins the bench, Westbrook takes matters into his own hands to bring his own to two possessions (42-38). The room of the Wizards finally ignites, but this warm atmosphere also excites Joel Embiid. Back on the floor, the Cameroonian star explodes. 3-point shooting, back to basket play, mid-distance shooting. The pivot of the Sixers single-handedly dissects the defense of the Wizards and Philly again widens the gap (69-57).
It’s a bit Embiid against the rest of the world when you see almost all the Wizards coming to the aid of him. But his determination is far too great for everyone he faces. His dunk with the foul in the middle of the traffic proves it. He’s just too strong. At the break, he is already at 25 points and he allows almost on his own in Philadelphia to control this meeting (72-58).
Back from the locker room, we expect a reaction from the Wizards but Westbrook clearly limps, and Bradley Beal is well defended by the Sixers. With Ben Simmons on his back, the Wizards scorer suffers. The defensive assists on him are just as perfect. On the other side of the field, Embiid continues his festival and Washington decides to limit the defensive assists on pick and roll. Obviously, it frees the shooters and Harris or Green feasts from afar. Philadelphia is in steamroller mode (95-75).
A collective demonstration
Collectively, there is a world of difference between the two teams and the Sixers bench is also very valuable. George Hill, Dwight Howard and Matisse Thybulle bring a lot, and the Sixers roll. Twelve minutes from the end, the games seem to be made (109-86).
Embiid on the bench, Harris takes over. Omnipresent on rebounds, he does not forget to score or to score. The significant gap between the two teams allows Doc Rivers to run to the maximum. Maxey and Scott shine in attack, imitated seconds later by the burning wrists of Korkmaz and Milton. Stunned, the Wizards finally bow 132-103 and Monday night, it will be to save the honor.
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