NBA Hoops

Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis talks success vs. Joel Embiid-less Sixers

Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis talks success vs. Joel Embiid-less Sixers

PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers had a very tall task when they hosted the Washington Wizards on Wednesday to return home from a 4-game road trip. Emphasis on the word “tall”.

The Sixers played the Wizards on Monday without Joel Embiid and they were able to pick up a win, but on Wednesday, the 7-foot-3 Kristaps Porzingis went to work.

Porzingis had 30 points on 9-for-13 shooting and he also had nine rebounds and three blocks as the Wizards knocked off the Sixers 121-111. Without Embiid in the paint, Porzingis just had a field day rising over the much smaller PJ Tucker and others who tried to defend him.

After the win, Porzingis discussed how he was able to have success without Embiid.

“I don’t have to waste all that energy fighting a guy that’s 100 pounds heavier than me,” Porzingis laughed. “So it’s, of course, better for me, but I have to play against PJ Tucker or some guard that’s quick so I have to expend that energy in a different way. Trying to keep up with those smaller guys.”

Those smaller guys were not able to find much success in defending Porzingis. They tried being physical with him and push him out of the paint, but when a guy has that much of a size advantage, there isn’t much a team can do.

“I mean, sometimes, he literally just put the ball over his head and shot it,” said Tyrese Maxey. “So just got to get the ball out of his hands, try not to let them catch the ball, and work extremely hard to do that. Easier said than done, but you have to be physical with him and try to push him away from the basket.”

With that being said, Porzingis had some well wishes for Embiid as he wants the big fella back out there. He misses competing against him.

“Me and Joel, I like playing against him,” Porzingis added. “There’s some advantages of his side, of course, and there’s some advantages on my side and so that matchup is always interesting. I hope he gets back healthy soon.”

The Sixers will now look to get back on track on Friday when they host the New York Knicks.

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Sixers Wire…