The Philadelphia 76ers made a bit of a statement on national TV Saturday night with a solid 108-91 win over LeBron James and the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers.
Down two starters in superstar Joel Embiid and Josh Richardson, it was fair to question what the Sixers would be able to do against the powerful Lakers, largely considered the favorite to take home the NBA title. Turns out, the Sixers would be just fine.
After falling behind 13-7 early in the first quarter, the Sixers took control with a 23-5 run to take a 12-point lead with just over two minutes to go in the period. Philadelphia would ultimately carry a 10-point advantage into the second quarter, powered by hot shooting (66.7% from the field, 54.5% from 3) and forcing nine Lakers turnovers.
The Sixers cooled offensively in the second quarter, but thanks to excellent 3-point defense (Lakers shot 14.3% from 3 in the first half) and strong play from Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, Los Angeles was only able to trim a single point off the Sixer advantage. Harris had 16 points at the break, while Simmons chipped in 11.
Philadelphia opened the third quarter on a 15-2 run, building the lead to 22 and sending the Wells Fargo Center crowd into a frenzy. Some sloppy play from the Sixers allowed the Lakers to get back into the game, but Philly still carried a 12-point lead into the final quarter.
A frustrating sequence in the fourth quarter produced a momentum swing in L.A.’s favor. James Ennis III appeared to be fouled on a dunk attempt with just under eight minutes to go, but whistles remained silent. Ennis vehemently protested the no-call while the Lakers went on the fast break. LeBron James was fouled, and Ennis was assessed a technical foul. A turnover on the ensuing possession led to a James dunk, and the lead had shrunk to 10 with the Lakers holding the momentum.
Los Angeles would ride that momentum for another few minutes, getting to within five, 93-88, with 5:21 to go. The Sixers appeared in serious danger of blowing the lead and the game. And then Al Horford saved the day.
Horford went on a personal 7-0 run to push the lead back to 12, and from there the Sixers would cruise to the huge win.
Simmons was fantastic, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. Harris added 29 points and eight rebounds, while Horford chipped in an efficient 16 points to go with six rebounds and those huge shots down the stretch. Matisse Thybulle made his presence felt with six points and five steals, continuing to be huge defensively for the Sixers. Shake Milton took advantage of his opportunity to start with seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Furkan Korkmaz and Raul Neto both added nine points off the bench.
The Sixers shot 52.6% from the field and 35.1% from 3. They won the rebounding battle 41-35, forced 18 turnovers, and held the Lakers to 19.4% shooting from 3. Only James and Anthony Davis scored in double figures for the Lakers.
It was an impressive win for the shorthanded Sixers, who again showed they can compete with the best teams in the league. The win was particularly important for the Sixers as they face a tough road trip ahead of the All-Star break that will take them to Boston, Miami, and Milwaukee.
For now, the Sixers gave fans a win they can enjoy for a few days before the team returns to the court on Tuesday when it hosts the Warriors. [lawrence-related id=24216,24209,24202,24182]