The Sixers enjoy another easy W.
Sixers Bell Ringer Ranking
Joel Embiid – 24
James Harden – 17
Tyrese Maxey – 11
Tobias Harris – 5
Shake Milton – 4
Paul Reed – 3
De’Anthony Melton – 1
George Niang – 1
Montrezl Harrell – 1
Matisse Thybulle – 1
Jalen McDaniels – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up their straight game with another W, beating the Indiana Pacers on the road. The Pacers were without their best player, Tyrese Haliburton, while the Sixers were without James Harden and PJ Tucker. The Sixers are in the easier part of a tough part of their schedule right now, and it’s great to see them take care of business quickly. Let’s dive into tonight’s Bell Ringer:
Joel Embiid: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, +15
Brian Westerholt – USA TODAY Sports
Embiid started this game well, scoring 15 points on effective shooting, six rebounds and four assists in the first half alone. The Pacers’ game plan seemed to be to take the ball out of Embiid’s hands or force him into a hard shot. I think Embiid did a great job of preparing his teammates, while picking his own shots. He didn’t even register a turnover in the first half. Recording just one turnover in the entire game, he finished with seven assists. He posted the screaming numbers we’re used to seeing, while comfortably leading his team to another victory. The MVP train is full steam ahead, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.
Fun fact: Tonight’s game was Embiid’s ninth straight game scoring 30 or more points. This sets a new franchise record.
Tyrese Maxey: 31 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, +15
Trevor Ruszkowski – USA TODAY Sports
Missing both Harden and Tucker, the Sixers needed someone to step in – and Tyrese Maxey provided. He recorded a quick 22 points on 81.8 percent shooting in the first half alone and was key in tracking the Pacers’ offense. Maxey came out aggressive, looking for his own shots and not just setting up more. Between him and Embiid, the duo put a lot of pressure on the Pacers defense. Maxey spent the majority of the second half using that pressure to his advantage, registering all seven of his assists in the second half.
De’Anthony Melton: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, 1 against +21
Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Doc Rivers slotted Melton into the starting five in Harden’s absence and provided excellent two-way play. He produced a well-rounded stat line – rebounding, playing point guard and being a ball hawk defensively. In the past, the Sixers have lacked a player of Melton’s talent coming off the bench. Having a capable two-way player like him in his back pocket has been huge this season, and it’s likely to carry over into the playoffs. Mr. Do Something came forward.
Honorable Mention – Tobias Harris: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, +19
I can only name three players for our Bell Ringer, but I want to show Tobias Harris some love. As you all know, he’s struggled lately, but he’s built on his strong Charlotte performance from last night. He made four of his six three-point attempts and helped the Sixers’ offense hum without their general on the ground.
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