Sixers Stars Fuel Bounce-Back Win vs. Magic
NBA Analytics NetworkOn Wednesday night in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 105–94 beh…
On Wednesday night in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 105–94 behind Joel Embiid’s 28 points and 11 rebounds and James Harden’s 26 points and 10 assists.
On Thursday, the NBA will announce who has received the selections from the reserves. Coaches vote for players in their conferences to fill reserves. Embiid is likely to be selected. Due to a busy east, Harden can be omitted.
“If my name is called, great,” Harden said. “If not, bigger and better goals for the season.”
In their home-and-home series with Orlando, the Sixers split both games. While the Magic overcame a 21-point deficit in the first quarter, they prevailed against the 76ers 119–109 on Monday. With that loss, the 76ers’ seven-game winning streak ended. However, the Sixers stabilized late and improved to 20–8 at home despite being tied at times against a young, up-and-coming Magic team.
“I didn’t think we played great,” said coach Doc Rivers. “But we played well enough to win. We’ll take that.”
NBA SCORES & NEWS: James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
To help the Sixers stay close to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Embiid made every free throw he attempted, shooting 9-of-17 from the floor. In addition to hitting six threes, Harden grabbed nine rebounds for Philadelphia.
“I’m not going to sit here and make a case,” Harden said. “The numbers show it.”
The Magic was led by Markelle Fultz, who scored 18 runs. In early December, the Magic were 5–20 after a nine-game losing streak. Since then, they have gone 15–12, including a six-game winning streak.
“I really think it’s a belief system,” said coach Jamahl Mosley. “To let them know that anything can happen on any given night. If you play hard, you give yourself a chance.”
A 17–0 run by the Sixers in the first quarter led to a 56–53 halftime lead. Philly’s game without Embiid has once again exposed the need to find a reliable backup option for the big man. In limited action, Embiid helped the Sixers to a plus-12, while Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed combined to be a minus-9.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
The 76ers will certainly try to strengthen their bench before next week’s trade deadline. Don’t expect a big deal like the one the Sixers closed last season at the trade deadline when Harden was acquired, though. In terms of possible moves, Rivers declined to comment.
“I think this team is better, better equipped for the playoffs,” Rivers said. “I think we have toughness. We’re not that young. I think we have less holes. Every team has holes.”
#Sixers #Stars #Fuel #BounceBack #Win #Magic
https://sportshighlights.online/sixers-stars-fuel-bounce-back-win-vs-magic/?feed_id=4400&_unique_id=63db438fe0558