The Philadelphia 76ers had another eventful night on Tuesday as they made a big move by moving Al Horford to a bench role, but they pulled together and they came away with a 110-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers to improve to 25-2 at home.
While Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons led the way, as they normally do, it was Josh Richardson who had a big fourth quarter to really tilt the game in Philadelphia’s favor. Richardson scored 17 points in the final frame to finish with 21 for the game as well five rebounds.
“In the fourth quarter, I kind of started attacking a little bit more,” he explained. “I was kind of just reading the defense. Coach put the ball in my hands and gave me the freedom to read it and attack and take what I saw.”
The Clippers had to pay so much attention to Embiid and Simmons as well as Tobias Harris even and it gave Richardson a path to do what he does best. He’s the dot connector on this team. He does everything else so well and it really brings everybody together when it’s needed.
“I told him after the game it’s fun to just watch him do his thing because he’s so talented,” said Ben Simmons. “He’s able to score the ball in multiple ways, so it’s great having him back.”
He definitely did it in a variety of ways. He was knocking down big triples, he was getting to the basket, and he was making good reads off his teammates so he can cut to the basket.
It’s moments like the ones in the fourth on Tuesday that really energize Richardson and it gives him a chance to continue to grow as a player.
“It’s great,” he explained. “I itch for moments like that and I know the rest of us do. In close games, we all want to be a part of that positive effort, and tonight I had a good part in it.”
The Sixers will now enjoy the All-Star break before returning to play on January 20 to host the Brooklyn Nets. [lawrence-related id=25608,25600,25593]