PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers earned themselves a well-deserved 102-94 victory in opposition to the Orlando Magic Friday as they have been in a position to avenge a loss to the Magic on Wednesday. It may very well be argued that that is Philadelphia’s most spectacular win of the season when contemplating the opponent.
Paul George had 21 factors, 9 assists and 4 rebounds to guide Philadelphia whereas KJ Martin had 20 factors on 9-of-10 taking pictures off the bench. Guerschon Yabusele and Tyrese Maxey had 16 factors every, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 13 factors and 10 rebounds and Andre Drummond had seven, 11 rebounds and 4 steals.
Listed below are the three principal takeaways from this victory:
The affect of KJ Martin
There’s a faculty of thought that the Sixers will commerce Martin on the deadline. That might nonetheless very nicely be the case, however Philadelphia will in all probability suppose twice in the event that they proceed to play like this. The athletic and spirited ahead has a really clear understanding of how one can play this sport and compete in opposition to Philadelphia’s stars. Now he’s additionally beginning to overtly rating 3-pointers when the ball is thrown to him. This has been an issue prior to now, however it’s not the case immediately.
“I put lots of time into it,” Martin stated of his shot. “Me working and having confidence are two various things, however I’ve the boldness to grasp the work that I’ve put in. Each night time I attempt to exit and play as exhausting as I can,”
Paul George brings construction
There was lots of speak about George’s addition to Philadelphia’s roster. The 9-time All-Star ahead is finest referred to as a scorer throughout his profession, however his skill to make performs for others is paramount to this group’s success. He positions himself within the center, attracts the eye of defenders and makes the fitting passes to get the group into rhythm. It is apparent when he is on the court docket that the Sixers are totally different.
“Simply the flexibility to create offense, proper?” » stated coach Nick Nurse afterwards. “He can shoot. He can draw a number of defenders and cross. He is in a position to rating in a number of methods. For instance, he is good in some isolations, he is good in opposition to pins, we threw him within the submit there for one second he completed by passing the primary one out for a layup after which scoring the following one and he may also – the most important factor is when you possibly can shake somebody while you’re coated and you’ll. look within the eyes and rating a 3. This Are baskets that groups make within the NBA. Having a man who can do that’s vital.
Bear in mind Franz Wagner
Wagner’s uncooked numbers appeared nice as he had 30 factors on 10-of-23 taking pictures, however there was some extent the place Philadelphia was in a position to maintain him off. He shot a mixed 3 of 12 within the second and third quarters. That is when the Sixers have been in a position to take management of the sport. They outscored the Magic 25-14 within the second and 21-18 within the third throughout these quarters whereas holding down Wagner and limiting the Magic as a complete on the offensive finish. Orlando shot simply 33.3 % from the ground total and 6 of 34 from deep by means of three quarters.
Nurse stated of Wagner and the Magic’s slowdown:
“I feel he (Wagner) is admittedly good, man. I feel he figures out what spot he will get to after which he makes every shot vary and that is form of the toughest half. He’ll ‘convey it to 4 ft, he’ll take it to eight ft, he’ll take it to 12, and he’ll shake you up just a little bit and step again and for some cause he’ll make you sit up a bit and you will freeze on the three balls, the step again , it is a just a little when he begins dancing just a little with it. It’s a must to squeeze him just a little bit. His rhythm throws you off stability just a little bit they usually make it actually tough as a result of they do lots of issues that make him take the flip on the elbow and. the toughest half is he is so huge, he is additionally an incredible passer so in the event you cheat just a little an excessive amount of, growth, he is again within the bigs and these bigs are ending in order that was nonetheless a problem. , we needed to cowl one in several methods and with quite a bit totally different individuals, however our protection was excellent tonight. I feel the fellows have been actually in tune with all of it tonight.
This text was initially printed on Sixers Wire: 3 takeaways for the Sixers after a well-deserved victory in opposition to Magic
