Coming off an emotional win in Cleveland on Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers were looking to avoid an emotional letdown when they paid a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. The Sixers entered the contest on a six-game winning streak and they were looking to extend it.
From the jump, the Sixers looked focused on both ends of the floor and thanks to the dominant play of Joel Embiid, Philadelphia ran away from the Hornets 121-82 for their seventh straight win. Embiid had 38 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks as Charlotte didn’t have an answer for him.
James Harden had 11 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds, Tobias Harris had 18 points and five rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 13 points. De’Anthony Melton hopped off the bench and had eight and five rebounds, Paul Reed had eight and 10 rebounds, Shake Milton added 12, while PJ Tucker pulled down five rebounds.
Here are the player grades following the easy win in Charlotte:
The Beard was getting into the paint early. Every time he saw an opportunity, he was in the paint and giving the Hornets headaches. He didn’t shoot the ball well in this one, but he was able to score when he had the chance, he got his teammates involved, and he was helpful on the glass. It was another really nice all-around game for Harden and it’s a good sign with the playoffs right around the corner.
Considering the fact that Embiid was once again dominant and Harris had a solid night, the Sixers didn’t need much from Maxey on the offensive end. He took advantage of his opportunities and he had a highlight play when he drilled a halfcourt buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter. He didn’t hurt the Sixers on defense and he played within himself.
After a miserable night in Cleveland on Wednesday, Harris knocked down a catch-and-shoot triple and then worked his way to a comfortable spot on the floor for an easy look. He was solid on the offensive end in this one as the veteran continues to work his way back into a rhythm. This is the Harris the Sixers will need on an every night basis if they want to go deep into the playoffs.
Again, the stat line for Tucker isn’t impressive and won’t wow anybody, but he made his impact. He bothered the younger Hornets players and made an impact on the defensive end and on the glass. It was a normal Tucker night for Philadelphia. He also had a very impressive bounce…
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